Preventing Cervical Cancer in Honduras: CAMO Medical Mission

For many women in the United States, a Pap smear is a routine part of preventive healthcare.

In Honduras, it’s often a different story.

Limited access to specialized gynecologic care means that thousands of women face significant barriers to receiving timely cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. In many public hospitals, access to specialists and advanced equipment remains scarce, making early detection difficult for patients who cannot afford private healthcare.

At CAMO, we believe that everyone deserves access to lifesaving care—regardless of where they live.

That’s why volunteer physicians like Dr. Jorge Romero continue to make an extraordinary difference.

Twenty Years of Building Women’s Healthcare

For more than two decades, Dr. Jorge Romero, an OB/GYN volunteer from the United States, has partnered with CAMO to strengthen women’s healthcare in western Honduras.

Rather than focusing only on treating patients during a short medical mission, Dr. Romero’s work is centered on something even more powerful: equipping local physicians with the latest knowledge and techniques so they can continue saving lives year-round.

“We have a project with CAMO to address cervical cancer through physician training. We’ve been doing this in Santa Rosa for the past 20 years, and many doctors have been trained in this field. Cervical cancer care is constantly evolving, and it’s important that physicians stay up to date so patients receive the very best modern medicine.”

His philosophy reflects CAMO’s long-term approach to global health: create sustainable healthcare by investing in local medical professionals.

Strengthening Local Expertise

During his most recent visit to Hospital de Occidente in Santa Rosa de Copán, Dr. Romero led an intensive masterclass focused on advanced cervical cancer prevention and diagnosis.

The training included:

• Advanced colposcopy techniques
• LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)
• Cervical biopsies
• Post-procedure patient management

The educational program brought together:

• 17 OB/GYN specialists
• 3 general physicians
• 1 nursing assistant

By sharing updated medical knowledge and hands-on experience, these healthcare professionals are now better prepared to identify precancerous changes early—when treatment is most effective.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Education was only one part of the mission.

Between June 1 and June 4, the team conducted a specialized colposcopy clinic at Hospital de Occidente.

During those four days:

• 17 women received colposcopy examinations.
• Twelve patients were identified as needing cervical biopsies for further evaluation.
• The remaining patients were scheduled for follow-up care through the hospital.

These women now have access to critical diagnostic services that could identify cervical disease before it becomes life-threatening.

Because when cervical cancer is detected early, it is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer.

More Than Equipment—A Lasting Investment

To strengthen women’s healthcare beyond this medical mission, CAMO provided Hospital de Occidente with a state-of-the-art video colposcope through a one-year equipment loan.

Combined with the 250 Pap smears made possible during the brigade, this technology enables local physicians to deliver better cervical cancer screening and continue providing specialized care long after volunteers return home.

That’s the power of sustainable healthcare: leaving behind the knowledge and tools that continue saving lives every day.

Help Build Healthier Communities

Every volunteer, every donation, and every partnership helps create lasting change.

Last year, CAMO delivered more than 217,767 healthcare services in Honduras with the support of 158 U.S. volunteers.

Whether you choose to donate or volunteer in Ohio, you can help train healthcare professionals, equip hospitals, and expand access to lifesaving care for women and families across Honduras.

Join us in building healthier communities—one life at a time.