Ok Tedi Limited (OTML) recently rolled out its long-awaited HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Screening and Treatment Program in the Western province, aimed at the prevention of cervical cancer. Commencing just recently on October 8th, the HPV Screening Program delivered essential healthcare services to employees of OTML, business partners, government departments, and communities across the Mine, Tabubil, Bige, and Kiunga operations. The program, possibly the first in Western Province, will be administered by the Tabubil Hospital every Tuesday with an expected turnaround time for results within 48 hours of the screening. Pap smear testing will also be conducted. This vital initiative was made possible through the support of the Ok Tedi Women’s Network (OWN) and OTML's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit. OTML Manager Health Services, Raymond Singamis said, “This program is a major milestone and will play a critical role in protecting women’s health by enabling the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. I wish to thank OWN and Mr. Ilimbit for facilitating the procurement of the HPV screening kits.” Mr. Singamis added, “Apart from the screening process, OTML has added a bonus activity for those women who test positive for high-risk HPV types by providing treatment.” The HPV Screening procedure takes less than five minutes, requires no hospitalization or anaesthesia, and is conducted using a thermo-coagulator probe into the cervix for about 20 seconds. If the test results return positive for high-risk HPV types, that doesn’t mean a patient has cervical cancer, rather it indicates the presence of the virus that causes cervical cancer which can be easily treated with the Thermo Ablation method at the Tabubil Hospital. Additionally, if a cervical lesion (cervical sore) is detected during screening, then the screening process is abandoned and the patient is referred to the gynaecology team for further assessment and treatment. OTML has a corporate social responsibility to the people of Western Province and Papua New Guinea to provide lifesaving health interventions for women and our girls. As a development partner, OTML is committed to improving the health services for our workforce and surrounding community.