The Ministry of Health, in a joint effort with the Pan American Health
Organization (PAHO), convened a pivotal gathering of key stakeholders to develop
national guidelines for cervical screening in Antigua and Barbuda by incorporating
high-performance HPV testing.
The meeting, held at Sandals Grande Antigua, was hosted by the Cervical Cancer
Taskforce of Antigua and Barbuda and brought together experts, policymakers,
healthcare professionals, and advocates, committed to addressing the challenges
and advancing initiatives aimed at screening and eradicating cervical cancer.
The Pan American Health Organization facilitated the meeting. Cancer
epidemiologist and PAHO consultant Dr. Anna Cabanes guided the process.
Participants deliberated on comprehensive strategies to: improve the current
screening program, improve access to quality treatment of pre-cancer lesions (the
changes that occur before cancer develops), and increase community awareness,
and education.
Discussions also centered around leveraging innovative technologies and
advancements to enhance the participation of women in screening, increase early
detection and treatment, and improve monitoring and evaluation of the process.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on forging strong partnerships between
governmental and non-governmental entities, fostering collaboration for a unified
approach to combat cervical cancer. The importance of community involvement
and education in raising awareness about preventive measures and promoting
regular screenings was also highlighted.
"We are committed to harnessing the collective expertise and resources needed to
achieve our goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda. This
meeting is a pivotal step towards developing a united approach and addressing the
challenges we face in cervical cancer prevention," stated Dr. Cherie Tulloch, Head
of the Cervical Cancer Taskforce in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation, and the Environment
and PAHO reaffirm their dedication to supporting initiatives that drive progress
towards cervical cancer elimination, ensuring that every woman receives equitable
access to preventive measures and quality care.
