Joining Hands for HER Health and Future

In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, access to healthcare is limited, and women face some of the highest risks of cervical cancer in the world. It is a silent killer that claims the lives of women far too early, often because of lack of access to preventive care. In fact, 84% of new cervical cancer cases and nearly 90% of related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

At XO World Project Foundation, we are committed to changing this narrative. Our Cervical Cancer Prevention Program provides life-saving screening and treatment while also training local healthcare providers for lasting, sustainable impact. To date, we have screened and treated over 2,800 women.

We focus on the most effective prevention methods: HPV vaccination, screening, timely treatment, medical training, and equipment donation. These prevention strategies are proven, and we’re committed to making them accessible long after our missions end. By equipping local healthcare providers, donating vital medical equipment, and investing in ongoing education and infrastructure, we ensure that women in underserved communities receive continuous, life-saving care for generations to come.

A Partnership with Purpose

In January 2025, we proudly partnered with Pathway for Livelihood Initiatives Kenya (PLIKEN) to support their Confidence Kit Initiative, a powerful project designed to empower adolescent girls through access to reusable menstrual hygiene kits. In many regions of Kenya, especially in underserved communities, menstruation can lead to missed school days or even school dropout due to the lack of access to sanitary products. This issue not only disrupts education but also exposes girls to increased health risks and social stigma.

By providing these kits, we help girls stay in school with dignity while also offering a sustainable, cost-effective solution for families who cannot afford disposable pads.

We supported the development of these kits by funding and helping establish a sewing center in Busia County, Kenya. The center not only produces the kits but also provides work opportunities for local women and uplifts young mothers.

Together with Joan Omini, founder and executive director of PLIKEN, Colleen Brennan, our CEO and co-founder, visited Sigalame School in Busia County, where they connected with students and educators. The visit included distributing 300 Menstrual Hygiene Kits, hosting an educational session on menstrual health for 250 girls, and holding a health awareness session for 50 mothers.

We also invited the mothers to our upcoming Women’s Health Camp and spoke about the importance of cervical and breast cancer screenings, as well as the broader importance of understanding their health, recognizing early warning signs, and taking proactive steps to prevent disease. Many of these mothers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about their own bodies and how small steps like attending a screening or teaching their daughters about hygiene can lead to lasting generational change.

Women’s Health Camp

From May 24 to 28, 2025, just after our successful Pediatric Surgical Mission in Guatemala, XO World Project Foundation led a Women’s Health Camp at Holy Family Mission Hospital in Nangina. In collaboration with PLIKEN and the hospital, our team provided free cervical and breast cancer screenings, general health check-ups, and thermoablation treatment for pre-cancerous cervical lesions. We also conducted health education sessions for women who were new to screening, offering them vital information and support in understanding their health, and donated essential medical equipment to enhance the hospital's capacity for long-term care.

We were guided by our expert medical volunteers, Dr. Liana Lucaric, Dr. Cynthia Page-Robinson, and Dr. Lois (Pat) Robinson, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in the success of the camp. They also led all clinical training and service delivery, providing a strong foundation for high-quality care and compassionate service. We were also supported by the PLIKEN team and the staff of Holy Family Mission Hospital, who assisted in setting up the camp, organizing screenings, and guiding women through the process. We trained 9 local nurses and doctors in cervical & breast cancer screening, with 6 dedicated medical students joining in, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to provide sustainable, community-based healthcare for years to come.

Many women, especially elders, shared that they felt more comfortable receiving care from female providers, a reflection of the deep cultural and religious values that shape their experiences. Our team's sensitivity to these values helped foster trust and made the experience even more meaningful for the women we served. Of

the 807 women screened, approximately 17% tested VIA positive and received same-day treatment using our donated thermocoagulation equipment. Many of these women had never been screened before and learned for the first time about the importance of early detection and routine healthcare. Cases involving breast lumps and other health concerns were referred to specialized clinics for further care.

A Sustainable Vision for Women's Health

Our work is about more than just short-term aid, it’s about saving lives and building the foundation for lasting health tomorrow. Through our medical missions, hands-on medical training, and donation of crucial medical equipment, we’re not only treating women but also empowering communities to carry this vital work forward.

Join us in this mission. Help us expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue empowering women and girls across Africa.