This week over 30,000 people working in HIV-related fields are in Washington, D.C., for the 2012 International AIDS Conference. Many topics will be discussed during this premier gathering of people committed to ending this terrible pandemic, including a topic that might surprise you: cervical cancer.
While cervical cancer might not seem related to HIV, it is indeed a major concern for women living with this disease. Less than 1 percent of HIV-positive women in developing countries receive screening for cervical cancer, an opportunistic disease that can be deadly for women living with HIV/AIDS who are on antiretroviral therapy. As I mentioned in my recent post on this issue, women in sub-Saharan Africa, the epicenter of the pandemic, are living with HIV but dying from cervical cancer because of the lack of screening.
To shine an even brighter spotlight on this silent killer, Jhpiego has created a moving video that highlights the lack of access to cervical cancer screening in the developing world by introducing you to the brave women whose lives have been affected. Please take a few moments to listen to their stories and learn how we can help.
WATCH: