April 2, 2025
News
Caritas Czech Republic has been actively engaged in cancer prevention in Georgia for years, leading public awareness campaigns and establishing Zugdidi Screening Center, crucial healthcare infrastructure for the populatiomn of west Georgia. With its extensive experience in health-focused initiatives, Caritas Czech Republic, with the support of the Czech government is now launching an ambitious project aiming at reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, by improving early detection, access to treatment, public awareness, and the capacity of the health workforce in Georgia.
Activities envisaged through the project
The project consists of several core phases and starts with the awareness-raising activities aiming at enhancing public awareness and promoting cancer screening. To guide individuals through the screening process, first, a comprehensive patient trajectory roadmap will be developed. Afterwards, throughout the next three years, Caritas Czech Republic will conduct six public education campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of cancer prevention and early detection. These efforts will be evaluated through Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) surveys in 2025 and 2027 to measure their effectiveness. Additionally, in 2026, group transportation services will be coordinated to help individuals access screening centers more easily.
The project will also strengthen Georgia’s cancer registry and digital health systems. Improvements will be made to the registry’s functionality and its connection with laboratory networks. Innovative digital solutions will be introduced, including an e-invitation system for cancer screenings, an electronic booking system for appointments, and enhancements to a mobile e-health application. By 2026, the project will implement an AI-based diagnostic tool for breast cancer, ensuring faster and more accurate diagnoses. Furthermore, image quality and availability will be improved through DICOM servers managed by the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC).
Another critical focus of the project is enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals. A total of 800 primary healthcare staff and 30 screening specialists will receive training on cancer prevention and healthy lifestyles. In 2025, a group of 20 trainers will undergo a Training of Trainers (ToT) program, ensuring that expertise is continuously passed on. A Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited course will be developed and hosted on the NCDC platform, providing ongoing education for healthcare workers. Between 2026 and 2027, both online and on-site training will be provided to healthcare professionals in primary care settings, while monthly multidisciplinary meetings will be organized to improve coordination and referrals among medical specialists.
The project will also focus on strengthening screening centers across the country. Czech oncology specialists will conduct expert-led on-site training sessions, ensuring that screening facilities operate with the highest standards. To maintain high-quality services, patient satisfaction surveys will be conducted annually to gather feedback and implement necessary improvements.
To further support cancer diagnosis and treatment, Caritas Czech Republic will provide essential equipment: the Zugdidi Screening Center will receive new medical tools to enhance its services, while the Iashvili Clinic will be equipped with advanced diagnostic tools for pediatric onco-hematology, supporting early detection and treatment of childhood cancers.
Caritas Czech Republic contributes to cancer care in Georgia
Caritas Czech Republic remains committed to raise awareness on cancer early detection and treatment in Georgia. Its past initiatives have laid a strong foundation, and with the continued support of the Czech government, this new project will further enhance cancer prevention, screening, and treatment accessibility. By working closely with local healthcare institutions and leveraging international expertise, Caritas Czech Republic aims to contribute to a healthier future for the people of Georgia, ensuring that more individuals benefit from early detection and effective cancer care.
The Zugdidi Cancer Screening Center, opened by Caritas Czech Republic in November 2019, plays a vital role in improving cancer prevention and early detection in Western Georgia. Before its establishment, locals faced limited access to screenings, often traveling long distances for tests to Tbilisi. Now, the center offers essential services like mammography and thyroid evaluations to individuals aged 25-70, free of charge. This initiative has significantly raised awareness and provided life-saving care, particularly in rural areas, while combating the stigma around cancer.
After the opening of the Zugdidi Cancer Screening Centre, 65-year-old Nani from the Lanchkhuti municipality of Guria region shared her experience of early detection that saved her life. "Thanks to the screening center, I was diagnosed early, and the treatment I received made all the difference. Without this service, I might not have had the chance to fight cancer," she said. Her story underscores the importance of early screening and the life-changing impact it can have on individuals and communities.
