The International Papillomavirus Society is proud to announce the official launch of the IPVS Zimbabwe Chapter, led by IPVS Country Ambassadors Dr. Margaret Pascoe and Dr. Oppah Kuguyo. Zimbabwe is the sixth country to join the IPVS network of country chapters.
The launch comes at a critical time. In Zimbabwe, eight women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and five die from the disease every day. The new chapter will provide a national platform for collaboration, education, advocacy and evidence-based action to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases.
The launch event took place on September 18 and brought together officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, clinicians, academics, researchers, advocates, industry representatives and people with lived experience. Expert presentations covered HPV disease in women and men, HPV-related skin disease and the current status of HPV testing in Zimbabwe.
The launch is also a milestone for the IPVS Country Ambassador Program. IPVS thanks Country Ambassadors Dr. Pascoe, who led the work on the ground, and Dr. Kuguyo, who supported the planning and facilitated a session on the program.
IPVS looks forward to a strong, collaborative partnership as the chapter works toward a Zimbabwe free of HPV-associated disease.
