Steamships supports Cervical Cancer Vaccination pilot programme in Milne Bay
26 June 2019
Steamships recently announced funding support for Spacim Pikinini Inc, to carry out a Cervical Cancer – HPV Vaccination pilot programme in the Milne Bay Province.
Cervical Cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women in PNG, with thousands thought to be dying from the disease annually. The development of a safe, highly effective vaccine for HPV, the virus that causes the cancer, means that with awareness and treatment, unnecessary deaths will be reduced with the long-term potential to eventually eliminate cervical cancer.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting Spacim Pikinini and Rotary with this ground breaking initiative,” said David Toua, the Corporate Affairs General Manager for Steamships. “For years we’ve seen awareness around cervical cancer being delivered, but the introduction of a vaccination programme now means that lives will be saved. Let’s hope this can be the catalyst for our health authorities to introduce programmes nationally.”
Wendy Stein, the CEO and Founder of Spacim Pikinini, was delighted with the support of Steamships. “Cervical cancer vaccination is a relatively safe and simple procedure that saves lives. The impact on our community here in Milne Bay will be profound” said Ms Stein. “We’re grateful for the generosity of Steamships through their Community Grants Programme.”
The Steamships Community Grants Programme provides financial support to not-for-profit organisations and initiatives that deliver impactful, measurable, and sustainable projects to the people of Papua New Guinea.