Recent UQDI research has revealed that the prevalence of cervical cancer in Vanuatu is amongst the highest in the world.
Australians Helping Abroad was founded with the principal aim of substantially reducing the prevalence of cervical cancer in Vanuatu through vaccination, screening, treatment and education programs. Since its inception, AHA has been integral in the development of a cervical cancer screening clinic at the Port Vila Central Hospital. AHA has facilitated training for nurses to enable them to visit the outer islands and provide cervical screening for rural communities.
In addition to this, the organisation has provided pathology and cytology training with the aim of centralising pathology services in Vanuatu. Because nearly all cervical cancer is caused by a persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, AHA is also in the process of implementing HPV screening, vaccination, and awareness programs. For those women who have developed cervical cancer, AHA is endeavouring to improve access to treatment and palliative care in Vanuatu and currently provides support for patients who must come to Australia for treatment.
Funding is needed to support these ongoing programs. As such, AHA is hosting The Great ANZ Vanuatu Duck Race in Port Vila, Vanuatu on the 26th of March. If you would like to help fight cervical cancer in Vanuatu, please sponsor a duck in the race. Duck tickets are just $5 each or $100 for a booklet of 20, and can be bought online at the AHA website.
Visit Australians Helping Abroad and click on the ‘Get Involved’ tab on the top bar. In the drop down menu, select ‘Sponsor a Duck 2011’. Then just add the number of ducks you wish to sponsor to your Cart, and click ‘Checkout’ to arrange payment.
You can sponsor as many ducks as you like and you don’t need to be present at the race to win.
Major prizes include:
• $2000 cash
• Accommodation at a luxury 7-bedroom Gold Coast lakefront home
• Accommodation at the Sunshine Coast Sebel
Other prizes include restaurant meals and tickets to shows.
AHA will also be holding an auction to raise additional funds. Auction items include:
• Accommodation at a 4 bedroom mountain-top retreat
• Accommodation at a 4-bedroom oceanfront Port Vila holiday home
• A one-week holiday at the Noosa Islander Resort
Please email Science Writer / Educator, Dr Fiona McMillan, at The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute for further information about sponsoring a duck.
