New and future developments
Accordingly, a key priority of the Programme continues to be not only increasing the programme's coverage for all women, but achieving equity in access to cervical screening across all population groups. As reflected in the Ministry of Health's Statement of Intent for 2009-2012, work will continue to focus on reducing the disproportionate number of Māori women developing and/or dying from cervical cancers.
Recent years have also seen significant developments in cervical cancer prevention. The advent of the cervical cancer vaccine as a primary prevention strategy, as well as new technologies in cytology and high-risk human papillomavirus detection are changing the face of cervical screening - improving efficiency and effectiveness as well as our ability to categorise each woman's risk. The programme will continue to refine existing services as well as adapt to incorporate the benefits of newer technologies to improve cost-effectiveness and further reduce the burden of cervical cancer for New Zealand women.
The following represents the vision for the National Cervical Screening Programme:
By 2014:
Further improve health outcomes |
The NCSP will aim to:
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Achieve coverage targets |
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Achieve equity |
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Strengthen collaborative relationships |
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Effective performance management |
The NCSP will continue to:
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Continuously improve quality/value for money |
The NCSP will:
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