The infectious disease institute -Makerere University has introduced self- testing swabs for cervical cancer as part of measures to have early detection of the disease.

Dr. Aggrey Semeere, a researcher at IDI, while addressing journalists in Kampala said the self testing swab is easy to use and can be used any where women feel comfortable.

“The difference with the new initiative is that most ladies aren’t comfortable with being screened so we have to find simple ways of availing them a chance to test themselves and get the cancer treated early,” he said.

“Cervical cancer is treatable and curable. In fact, in the US, you rarely find them [cervical cancer patients], but here in the country, it is the number one common disease among women at the cancer institute,” he added.

Dr.Aggrey Semeere said that the new testing swabs will be showcased during a virtual science fair to be held soon as the institute marks 20 years of existence.

“We are trying out swabs, ladies use the swabs themselves and they bring it to the lab and we detect that virus. If we find the lady has that virus, we can then put them on treatment but these are for early days,” he said.

There is already a team carrying out testing fairs of the kit in the districts of Hoima and Kiboga. It was noted that all cancer testing mechanisms require one to take a tissue sample to the lab, look at it under a microscope and wait for two weeks to pick the results.

The IDI comes a point of care testing where results return within 60minutes.

Courtesy photo.