President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cervical Cancer Task Force, Dr. Cherie
Tulloch, has gained international recognition by being selected as one of ten
members of the new Young Leaders in Global Cancer Control 2023/2024 cohort.
The candidates were selected from a pool of 377 applicants from professionals
across 86 countries. The submissions were evaluated based on their track record,
expertise, leadership skills, demonstrated impact on cancer control in their region
or country, and the potential benefit the members will derive as young leaders.
This recognition is directly related to Dr. Tulloch’s pivotal role in implementing
Antigua and Barbuda’s national strategy to eliminate cervical cancer in Antigua
and Barbuda. The pilot program which was implemented in 2022 followed
PAHO’s evaluation of several countries in the region and selected Antigua and
Barbuda based on the countries’ readiness and capabilities to successfully carry out
the program.
The pilot program was deemed a success and was given the nod of approval from
PAHO to scale up efforts in eliminating cervical cancer.
The ULCC initiative supports mid-career cancer control professionals with a
proven track record and a multi-disciplinary and collaborative outlook to expand
their opportunities for international engagement and maximize their impact within
the broader global or regional context.
Over the next year, Young Leaders will have the chance to attend ULCC’s flagship
global events – the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in October 2023 in the US and
the World Cancer Congress in September 2024 in Switzerland. They will also
engage in collaborative project work, hone their ability to drive change at the
system level and access other opportunities to raise their international profile.
Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph as well as management and staff within the
Ministry have congratulated Dr. Tulloch on her successful candidacy in the
International Young Leaders Program 2023/2024, and he has expressed his
appreciation for her continued leadership in the country’s effort, in the elimination
of cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Minister says the goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda
is of top priority and is confident that it can be achieved similarly to when the
country eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis.
He further stated that in addition to the fight against cervical cancer, the ministry
will continue to simultaneously develop and implement robust campaigns in the
fight against other cancers, by undertaking vigorous programs to educate and bring
awareness to the screening and treatment available in Antigua and Barbuda. These
Cancers include breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer which are leading causes
of morbidity and mortality in Antigua and Barbuda.
