2022 TRAINEE SPOTLIGHT

DR. MARIANA JAVEZA OMENDA

In May 2022 I was lucky to partner with and be trained by the PINCC team, performing LEEP and thermal ablation treatment in Kakamega, Kisii, and Kisumu Counties. Through this training I gained a lot of knowledge, skills, and experience in cervical cancer screening, identifying abnormal lesions, differentiating low-grade from high-grade lesions, performing biopsies and treatments. I underwent two weeks of intense training on cervical cancer screening, followed by two weeks of intense training on cervical screening self-testing (HPV self-testing), which took place in June and October 2022. Dr. Melissa taught me how to perform LEEP and conduct a modernized treatment using a thermal ablation machine. PINCC’s effective mode of training involved; a review of different flash card images showing different cervical cancer lesions from the normal cervix, facilitated by passionate and knowledgeable trainers. We also had practical sessions guided by consultants from PINCC team. I am now certified in VIA and thermal ablation courtesy of PINCC. I am able to conduct screening and subsequently treat through thermal ablation. The donation of a thermal ablation machine and headlamp in June 2022 by PINCC has enabled me to continue diagnosing precancerous lesions and treating them subsequently. So far, we have managed to treat 85 WEEP mothers with precancerous lesions through thermal ablation, treat 6 with LEEP, and 7 diagnosed with cervical cancer by conducting cervical biopsies. Thanks to PINCC for this great learning opportunity.

- Dr. Mariana Javeza Omenda, in charge of Health and Wellness at Health Education Africa Resource Team (HEART), Kenya. December 2022.