Cervical cancer screening programs in low-income communities. Experiences from Ecuador. Low cost detection of HPV infection in a developing country.

Objectives: With the support of the independent humanitarian organization "Amici Fundation Terra Nueva" in Quito, Ecuador, we evaluated the feasibility of a cytologic screening program sustained by volunteers on the field and in Italy.

Methods: 250 women underwent a cervical Pap-test. The women with a positive Pap-smear were re-called for visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), whereas those with a negative smear were invited for a new Pap-test after 3 years.