CCC's photojournalist, Robert Oppel interviews International Medical Corps. Clinical Coordinator, Edna Gakii RN

CCC's photojournalist, Robert Oppel interviews International Medical Corps. Clinical Coordinator, Edna Gakii RN
I was honored to be asked to rejoin CureCervicalCancer on a return medical mission to Kenya. As I observed Edna Gakii, an International Medical Corps (IMC) healthcare professional that is currently being trained by CCC in the “See and Treat” procedure, I witnessed sincere compassion and dedication–traits that I value. Therefore, I sought to interview this highly spirited woman in hopes that she will equally inspire myself and every one that reads this blog. Robert CCC: How are you involved with IMC? Edna: I’ve been with International Medical Corps for 9 years. I enjoy working for them and serving the community. The fact that it’s a humanitarian opportunity to be innovative is what makes it a success. Robert CCC: What interested you in CureCervicalCancer.org? Edna: In the last 4 years I’ve worked with a lot of women receiving HIV treatment, family planning, counseling and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) treatment. I wanted to do more for women as a whole and thought the cervical cancer screening and treatment program was the next step. Robert CCC: What do you like most about working with CCC? Edna: I like helping the HIV positive women the most. I feel they benefit from the cervical cancer screening because they are at a higher risk in developing cervical cancer. Robert CCC: How do you feel about your future work with CCC? Edna: I am actively involved with screening and treating as many women as possible. I want to ensure that the correct protocol will be followed by the IMC staff in all of the clinics. There are seven IMC clinics in western Kenya, which have all been fully staffed with educated healthcare professionals who are experts in screening for cervical cancer. They will also now be equipped by CCC with state-of-the-art cryotherapy machines. I am very excited that we will now be able to provide both screening and treatment services for the women of Kisii.