C-THAN Aims to Strengthen Cervical Cancer Prevention Efforts Through Point-of-Care HPV Diagnostics

August 2025

The Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS and Emerging Infectious Diseases at Northwestern University (C-THAN) Dissemination Core—led by Kellogg School of Management faculty Kara Palamountain and Becca Kirby—draws on more than 16 years of experience conducting needs assessments for point-of-care (POC) technologies. In a recent project, the team explored how countries can strengthen cervical cancer prevention efforts through POC human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnostics, responding to the World Health Organization’s 2021 recommendation to shift from visual inspection with acetic acid and Pap smear screening to molecular HPV testing.

C-THAN team members discuss implementation challenges and opportunities for expanding access to HPV testing. 

Through 21 interviews with public health officials, virologists, clinicians, laboratory managers and diagnostic distributors, the team examined implementation challenges and opportunities for expanding access to HPV testing. Despite the presence of centralized laboratory systems and supportive national programs in many contexts, persistent barriers remain—particularly in rural and underserved areas. These include stigma that deters screening, limited clinician availability for sample collection, high testing costs, weak infrastructure and delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Drawing on stakeholder input, the team identified key attributes for next-generation POC HPV tests: affordability, compatibility with self-sampling, operational robustness and seamless integration into clinical care pathways. These findings offer strategic insights for product developers designing tests for cervical cancer screening programs in low- and middle-income countries.

The cervical cancer interview team at C-THAN.

To learn more about the Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS and Emerging Infectious Diseases at Northwestern University (C-THAN), visit their website.  

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