The Timor-Leste Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the University of Sydney-led Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer (EPICC) program, has announced the launch of the first same day human papillomavirus (HPV) screen-and-treat clinic using self-collection in Timor-Leste.
The service aims to combat cervical cancer, a major public health issue affecting women in Timor-Leste and across the region. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Timor-Leste and a leading cause of cancer death.
From this week, the clinic based at the Vera Cruz Community Health Centre in Dili will offer free, fast, and comfortable HPV screening for women aged 30-49 years. Women can collect their own samples in a private setting, without the need for a pelvic examination. Samples are processed on-site, with results provided within 1-2 hours. Those with HPV detected will be assessed for same day treatment.
Professor Deborah Bateson, EPICC Program Deputy Lead in the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, said: "Cervical cancer not only affects individual women but also has severe consequences for their families and the community. Building on the foundational work of Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Health supported by the World Health Organization and training which has been led by Timor-Leste Institute of Public Health, we believe this program will significantly benefit women and their families.”
“The EPICC consortium is absolutely delighted to be here in Timor-Leste supporting the Ministry of Health in this meaningful initiative, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate on Timor-Leste’s cervical cancer elimination initiatives into the future" she said.
Launched in 2024, the EPICC program is a large-scale, four-year initiative that works across the Indo-Pacific region to accelerate progress towards the elimination of cervical cancer in alignment with the World Health Organization’s global elimination strategy.
Professor Karen Canfell, EPICC program lead in the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health said screening and treatment could help reduce the burden of cervical cancer in low-to-middle-income countries.
“When the resources are available and the political will is strong, evidence shows that the World Health Organization’s strategy of integrating HPV immunisation, screening and treatment referrals is likely to lead to the eventual elimination of cervical cancer.”
Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death in women in many Indo-Pacific countries. The HPV virus causes almost all cervical cancers, making early detection and treatment crucial.The new service uses HPV DNA testing, a highly effective method recommended by the WHO as part of the global cervical cancer elimination strategy.
EPICC brings together leaders in Australian and global cancer research, implementation expertise, and global and local partners and Ministries of Health in the Indo-Pacific region - to advance national cervical cancer elimination.
About the Timor Leste launch
The new same-day screening and treatment service is a new initiative led by Timor-Leste's Ministry of Health. It has been established in collaboration with the EPICC (Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer) program.
About EPICC
EPICC is a University of Sydney-led consortium funded by the Australian Government. It includes Family Planning Australia, the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney, the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance and Unitaid. EPICC collaborates with ministries of health and leading local and global organisations to advance cervical cancer elimination.
Luisa Low
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