Closure of the SUCCESS II Project in Guinea: Sustaining Cervical Cancer Prevention
After 26 months of implementation, the SUCCESS II project officially concluded in Conakry during a workshop attended by 59 stakeholders involved in the fight against cervical cancer in Guinea.
In a context where cervical cancer accounts for 26% of cancer-related deaths in the country, the SUCCESS II project aimed to improve access to integrated secondary prevention focused on women’s needs. The approach developed was based on integrating screening and early treatment into HIV and reproductive health services, building the capacity of health professionals and community health workers, and rolling out HPV testing, particularly through self-collection.
Implemented at 16 sites between Conakry and Kindia, the project achieved significant results:
- 18,524 people reached through awareness-raising;
- 6,894 women screened, 93% of whom via self-administered HPV testing;
- 2,090 women living with HIV screened;
- more than 100 health professionals, technicians, and community workers trained;
- an HPV prevalence rate of 42% identified;
- 90% of eligible women who tested positive treated with thermocoagulation.
- One of the project’s key findings is that integrating cervical cancer screening into HIV services significantly improves access to screening, continuity of care, and the quality of care, while reducing loss to follow-up.
Beyond the numbers, SUCCESS II had a profound human impact. The testimonials collected in the closing video illustrate the importance of information, awareness, and support in enabling women to get screened and treated earlier.