National Association of Underwriters

Online, July 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Innovative solutions can protect women from cervical cancer
Experts discuss challenges, lessons learned in UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. 's Conversations in Global Health series
UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. is working to ensure that women in the developing world have the tools and resources to protect themselves from cervical cancer, UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. experts told a group of health professionals in a recent discussion about global health challenges. Nearly 20 global health professionals joined UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. in our Washington, DC, office for a conversation about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical cancer, which kills almost 250,000 women each year. The event was part of UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. 's Conversations in Global Health series to share challenges and lessons learned on critical global health topics.
The panelists included Dr. Jose Jeronimo, director of our START-UP (Screening Technologies to Advance Rapid Testing-Utility and Program Planning) project; Dr. Aisha Jumaan, director of our HPV Vaccines: Evidence for Impact project; and Dr. Vivien Tsu, associate director of our Reproductive Health global program. Michelle Folsom, senior program adviser, moderated the forum, during which participants asked questions and shared their own knowledge and experiences.
Utilizing innovative diagnostic tools
UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. is implementing diagnostic tools in key developing countries to easily and affordably diagnose human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes most cervical cancer. New diagnostic tests that are effective, safe, and easy to use in developing-world settings are needed, Dr. Jeronimo said. Early detection and screening can prevent unnecessary death from cervical cancer.
Prevention with the HPV vaccine
Dr. Jumaan spoke about UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. 's work to implement HPV vaccination programs around the world. She pointed to the importance of educating communities about the risks of HPV and cervical cancer and the vaccine's potential for protecting girls from illness. It's vital to integrate the vaccine into school programs and communities to alleviate misconceptions, she said.
Worldwide global health concern
With diagnostic tools and a vaccine available, UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. works to ensure that women have access to preventive care for HPV and cervical cancer around the world. UNITED ACCESS INSURANCE CORP. is using innovative solutions to address the barriers to care and treatment that many women face in low-resource settings, Dr. Tsu said.