Cervical Health Awareness Month is observed in January annually to promote awareness about cervical cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. On January 30, 2025, the College of Medicine organized an event with students from the medical and biomedical science programs participating. Held under the theme “Vaccinate Early, Screen Regularly, Eliminate Cervical Cancer”, the event aimed to educate the community on the significance of HPV vaccination, regular Pap smears, and timely treatment in the fight against cervical cancer.
The event was supervised by Prof. Faten, Dr. Eman, Prof. Mayssah, Prof. May, Dr. Ghada, and Dr. Shimaa, faculty from Biomedical Sciences Department. The participation of Dr. Sheeba, a clinician, enriched the session with valuable insights from her expertise, enhancing the impact of the awareness initiative.
The Cervical Health Awareness event at GMU featured a series of engaging sessions and booths designed to educate attendees on various aspects of cervical health, early detection, and prevention of cervical cancer. One of the key components of the event was the Illustration of Cervical Anatomy, where participants were provided with a detailed explanation of the gross anatomy and microscopic features of the cervix. A major focus of the event was the Role of HPV in Cervical Cancer, which clearly explained how Human Papillomavirus (HPV) contributes to the development of cervical cancer. The discussion highlighted the different strains of HPV, particularly high-risk types, and their impact on cervical cells. Building on this, the Importance of Vaccination session emphasized the role of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer, advocating for early vaccination as a key strategy in reducing the burden of the disease. Another crucial topic covered was Screening Methods, where various techniques such as Pap smears and HPV testing were introduced. Attendees were also educated on the Early Signs of Cervical Cancer, where key symptoms and warning signs were outlined. To provide practical knowledge, a Demonstration of the Pap Smear Technique was conducted using a simulation mannequin. To make the event more engaging, interactive activities were incorporated, allowing attendees to actively participate in the learning process. These activities included Q&A sessions, where students and faculty answered queries related to cervical health, fostering an open dialogue. Additionally, matching card games were used to reinforce key concepts about HPV, screening methods, and prevention strategies. A painting exercise encouraged creative expression while spreading awareness about cervical cancer prevention, making the event both educational and enjoyable.
Overall, the event successfully combined scientific knowledge with interactive learning, ensuring that attendees left with a deeper understanding of cervical health. More than 90% reported that the activities were relevant and knowledgeable.
“Community Engagement and Social Accountability are an integral part of GMU’s vision and mission, and I believe that the University should serve the immediate community in which it exists”, reflected Prof. Manda Venkatraman, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, who is also the Chairman of the Community Engagement Committee of Gulf Medical University.
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