Prof. Dr. med. et sc. nat. (MD PhD) Sonja Merten

In this project, an interdisciplinary team comprising researchers from Swiss and Tanzanian research institutions will work together to identify, understand and appropriately address bottlenecks in the early detection and treatment of cervical pre-cancer in Kilombero District, Tanzania. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected and treated early. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate cervical cancer and has set three interim targets to achieve this goal: 90% of girls to be vaccinated against high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) variants by age 15; 70% of women aged 35-49 to be screened; and 90% of women with precancerous lesions and cancer to be treated by 2030. As it will take long time for HPV vaccination to effectively reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer, early detection and treatment of cervical cancer remains essential. In Tanzania, the screening rate is estimated to be only 11%. In this project, we are bringing together social scientists, clinicians and epidemiologists to better understand the delays in cervical pre-cancer screening uptake, create and analyse a cervical cancer prevention and care cascade that ensures a continuum of care, and examine the health care and psychosocial needs of women seeking treatment for cervical cancer in rural and urban areas in Tanzania. The results will inform the design of policy and program interventions for cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

For centuries, menstruation has been shrouded in taboo, subjected to stigmatizing rituals, or has simply been ignored. Thanks to systematic efforts and awareness raising during the past three decades, menstrual health (MH) is now recognized as a public health and human rights concern, essential for women’s equitable participation in society. Safety concerns surrounding menstrual hygiene products have garnered global attention from consumer groups and women’s health activists. Significant initiatives now address menstrual health and related products, particularly in low-income countries. However, we are still facing a dearth of evidence on the health impacts of menstrual products.

This project seeks to increase the knowledge on this issue by establishing a comprehensive evidence base on the health effects of various menstrual products on the vaginal microbiome, a gatekeeper of women’s health.

To achieve its goals, the research team will examine women’s practices and preferences regarding menstrual hygiene products in Peru, and Cameroon, while conducting a systematic global review to provide context. Additionally, the project will address gaps in evidence by studying how menstrual products impact the vaginal microbiome through ongoing multi-country citizen-science cohorts of women participating in vaginal microbiome screening.

Collaborating with menstrual health leaders, such as counsellors, doctors and community representatives, the project will raise awareness among concerned stakeholders about the need for improved scientific research, evidence, and regulatory guidance on menstrual products to ensure the safety of women wherever these products are used.