Kia ora <<First Name>>,
Here’s to new beginnings
The launch of HPV Primary Screening across Aotearoa New Zealand is an opportunity for women, and those with a cervix, to re-engage with the National Cervical Screening Programme. Someone may have avoided screening previously for a number of reasons but HPV vaginal self-swab testing gives us an opportunity to re-engage.
I’m pleased to say the new NCSP-Register and Whaihua will make that re-engagement even easier in the coming weeks and months; some of you may already be receiving updates on work taking place with each.
My team and I are already hearing first-hand about the difference the self-swab test is making. Several of those screened at launch events were women who told us they had avoided screening for over a decade. They simply didn’t feel comfortable with the only option previously available.
Stories like that make the hard mahi worthwhile and, over the coming months, I’d like to capture some of what you’re hearing out on the front lines. Stories of screening’s positive impact can help encourage others to participate— or keep us going strong on the tough days— so, please do send me your thoughts or stories about the difference being made by HPV testing.
I’d like to also thank each of you for the time and effort you put into learning new information, systems, and processes in order to make the launch of HPV Primary Screening a success. It’s less than 3 weeks since we launched and you’re already making a positive impact in lives up and down the country.
Nāku noa, nā
Anne
