Cabrini Ministries Eswatini pioneers non-invasive HPV test

Since 2022 Cabrini Ministries Eswatini has been piloting an HPV (human papilloma virus) screening program using an innovative urine-based test.

The test, developed by the University of Milan, allows to detect HPV through urine samples in a short period of time, thus reducing discomfort for women and waiting time for results.

The lab at St. Philip’s Clinic, where urine are tested for HPV

HPV infections are are the primary cause of cervical cancer, which is the 4th most common cancer worldwide. Early detection of HPV therefore is vital to prevent cervical cancer.

An ongoing acceptability study is showing that women who accessed the service at St. Philip's Clinic prefer the urine-based test to other traditional screening methods because it causes limited discomfort, it ensures more privacy, and it is easy to perform.

The preliminary results of the study were presented in Milan on October 23rd, 2024, during the graduation ceremony of the Master in Global Health (MGH) of the University of Milan.

MGH graduate Francesca Squillace, conducted her internship in St. Philip's Mission to implement the study and presented the data as part of her final thesis.

Francesca Squillace presenting the preliminary results of the acceptability study

Cervical cancer is the 1st most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among Swazi women, making Eswatini the country with the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in the world.

The pilot program is implemented in partnership with the University of Milan, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Cepheid.