PAST PROJECTS
Cervical Cancer VIA validation project
In the summer of 2008,Dr. Holda Gueye (HALFA) and partner Dr. Aziz Kasse (PREVENIR) screened over 250 women for cervical cancer precurosor lesions using the visual inspection method alongside the traditional pap smear and proved that this method could be taught the midlevel health care providers and was effective.
Health Seeking Behavior of Senegalese Women
In the winter of 2009, Dr. Holda Gueye (HALFA) undertook a research project to understand why Senegalese women did not access the health care facilities for screening and care. This research included group discussions with local women, health facility tours and interviews as well as interviews with the Senegalese Ministry of Health. Results from this study greatly informed the ensuing HALFA model that would seek to address the Women's Health issues of the nation.
GoDocGo partnership project
In February of 2015, HALAFA partnered with GoDocGo to train midwives and physicians in the visual inspection technique and treatment using cryotherapy and LEEP (loop electrosurgical procedure) for cervical dysplasia. Dr. Gueye offered her time and skills to teach and help screen hundreds of women. Dr.Kasse, with Prevenir, also offered his skills at this event.
Training of Midlevel Providers
In 2009, Dr. Holda Gueye (HALFA) and Dr. Aziz Kasse (PREVENIR) seeked to prove that the VIA (visual insepction with acetic acid) could be taught to midlevel providers in remote areas of Senegal while maintaining accuracy. Here, they went to a maternity in Yembeul where midwives and students were trained and tested on the technique with great success.