Implementing Radiation Therapy in Haiti: Current Status and Future Directions

Cervical cancer treatment in Haiti: A vertically-integrated model for low-resource settings

“…As screening and treatment for cervical cancer increases, the hope is to make more treatment methods available in the future. Of note, we have an analogous initiative for breast cancer, which has had great success (DeGennaro Jr et al, 2018a; Gajjar et al, 2018b; DeGennaro Jr et al, 2015b). IHI is hopeful that likewise this developing program will bring new opportunities for cancer care in low-income countries.…”

“…Limited resources prohibit these countries from implementing radiation due to lack of infrastructure, lack of reliable electricity, variable security, and geopolitical instability (Barton et al, 2014). There is a world-wide shortage of radiotherapy with up to 90% of low-income populations lacking access to these resources (Gajjar et al, 2018a). Without radiotherapy in Haiti (Gajjar et al, 2018a), IHI has begun to implement neoadjuvant chemotherapy to expand the potential for treatment for cervical cancer patients.…”

“…There is a world-wide shortage of radiotherapy with up to 90% of low-income populations lacking access to these resources (Gajjar et al, 2018a). Without radiotherapy in Haiti (Gajjar et al, 2018a), IHI has begun to implement neoadjuvant chemotherapy to expand the potential for treatment for cervical cancer patients. Chemotherapy is considered safe in the treatment of cervical cancer and is less expensive than radiotherapy (Smith and Rutledge, 1975).…”

Key decision-making factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine program introduction in low-and-middle-income-countries: Global and national stakeholder perspectives

“…Cervical cancer costs to health systems and families are substantial. 7-9 Extensive research has been conducted on health system, programmatic, and supply-side challenges to new vaccine introduction, including HPV vaccines. 10-14 A limited but growing body of research has also been conducted on factors that influence the decision-making process for HPV vaccine introduction.…”

Empowering and training front-line providers treating cervical cancer in Haiti: perspective of a gynecologic oncologist’s experience with international surgical missions

“…The care/mortality situation is compounded by limited resources that prohibit Haiti from implementing radiation owing to the lack of proper infrastructure, reliable electricity, optimal security, and geo-political instability 4. In accordance with new guidelines for low-resource countries,1 Innovating Health International has implemented neo-adjuvant chemotherapy to expand the potential for treating patients with cervical cancer 5. A recent report has reviewed the screening and treatment methods at Innovating Health International’s program using a vertically integrated model 2…”