"PINCC’s trainings made me a Nurse with special skills"

I am a Nurse from Uganda-East Africa who had neither knowledge nor skill about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. While working with Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF)-Uganda Cares at Gombe hospital-Uganda, I underwent four rounds of cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening trainings by PINCC project between 2011 and 2012. The four rounds of trainings were conducted at an interval of 6 months, and this enhanced the impartation of knowledge and skills as far as cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening is concerned. PINCC’s effective mode of delivery of the trainings was such a unique one! It involved review of different images for simulation being facilitated by passionate and warm trainers, watching videos, demonstrations using appropriate specimens in case of cervical precancer treatment practicum as well as practical sessions on the recipients of care. As a result of PINCC’s trainings, I was strongly equipped with knowledge and skills about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. I was at first certified in VIA & VILI and later Cryotherapy. This made it easy for me to use a thermocoagulator when later my country’s guidelines for cervical precancer treatment changed. PINCC’s trainings made me a Nurse with special skills in the organization where I work, and this contributed to my promotion to a senior level. From 2011, I have enjoyed sensitizing communities about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, screening women for cervical cancer as well as cervical precancer treatment using cryotherapy and currently thermocoagulation. Additionally, after PINCC’s trainings, I have been able to train as well as mentor 52 healthcare workers from 15 health facilities on cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening; such healthcare workers included Nurses, Midwives and Clinical Officers. The donation of a thermocoagulator and headlamp in June 2021 by a PINCC member (Dr. Miskell Melissa) has ensured proper management of women with cervical precancers and a total of 54 women have undergone thermocoagulation by August 2022. I would highly recommend such trainings to other healthcare workers around the world!

- Penninah Nabukenya; Senior Nursing Officer; AHF- Uganda Cares