Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Years of mechanism: 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Details for Mechanism ID: 12307
Country/Region: Ethiopia
Year: 2012
Main Partner: Pathfinder International
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: NGO
Funding Agency: HHS/CDC
Total Funding: $439,139

This is a continuing activity. Pathfinders support to the GOEs cervical cancer prevention (CCP) program aims to increase access to and use of cervical cancer prevention services among HIV positive women in Ethiopia. Specific objectives are to build national capacity, integrate the single visit approach into the care package for PLHIV, and increase cervical cancer awareness and uptake among women. The GOE has included cancer prevention, early detection and a registry for the first time in its HSDP IV plan. Pathfinder's program aligns with GOE priorities as well as with the USG Partnership Framework and GHI strategy. In 2010, Pathfinder initiated the first CCP services at nine public hospital sites in Oromia, Amhara, Tigray, Addis Ababa and SNNPR. Pathfinder will continue its partnership with the SPIRES program at Stanford Universitys School of Medicine to bring technical knowledge and evidence-based training materials to the GOE CCP program. The facility-based activities will be complemented with community-based sensitization and mobilization activities through collaboration with Federal MOH, Federal and Regional HIV/AIDS Program Coordination Offices (HAPCO), regional health bureaus (RHBs), PLHIV associations and health facilities. Ultimately, Pathfinder's CCP services will be transitioned to be led and managed by the respective hospitals with support from the FMOH/RHBs. Current facilities have shown commitment to CCP by providing examination rooms, sinks, water, and furniture. To ensure sustainability of the screening program, Pathfinder has led revision of the national reproductive health strategy to incorporate cervical cancer diagnosis and management. Pathfinder regularly conducts site visits and has a monitoring system in place.

Funding for Care: Adult Care and Support (HBHC): $439,139

In prior years, Pathfinder initiated new cervical cancer prevention services in five centers of excellence hospitals (Assela, Felege Hiwot, Mekelle, St Paul and Yirgalem). According to the March 2011 SAPR, a total of 1,856 HIV positive women had been screened for cervical cancer, of which 203 (11%) were positive. Eight of the 203 (4%) were diagnosed with advanced cervical lesions and were referred for further evaluation. Of the remaining eligible women, 183 (94%) were treated with Cryotherapy. Staff from four additional hospitals (Axum, Debre-Markos, Nekemt and Wolita Sodo) were also given training on the procedure for a total of nine sites. Pathfinder procured equipment for the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) for the five centers of excellence in order to minimize the risk of other invasive procedures, including hysterectomy. Under COP2012, Pathfinder will continue to build upon its extensive and strongly-rooted reproductive health and HIV/AIDS activities in Ethiopia and close working relationships with the FMOH, FHAPCO, RHBs, PLHIV associations and health facilities. Pathfinder will establish and strengthen the referral system for those women diagnosed with advanced cervical lesions who are not eligible to be treated with Cryotherapy. Pathfinder uses the project findings specific to acceptability and feasibility of the single visit when considering further scale up of the program. The facility-based activities will be complemented by community-based sensitization and mobilization via IEC/BCC materials in local languages. Pathfinder will also provide and cascade training of trainer and site level trainings CCP procedures, such as cryotherapy. Pathfinder will also focus on strengthening its monitoring and evaluation system to improve performance, support stakeholder use and mid-course corrections, and evaluate impact.

Cross Cutting Budget Categories and Known Amounts Total: $300,000
Gender: Reducing Violence and Coercion $200,000
Human Resources for Health $100,000
Key Issues Identified in Mechanism
Addressing male norms and behaviors
Increasing gender equity in HIV/AIDS activities and services