Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health partnered with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to convene a significant meeting with key stakeholders to develop national guidelines for cervical screening.

The event, held on 16th November 2023 at Sandals Grande Antigua and hosted by the Cervical Cancer Taskforce of Antigua and Barbuda, aimed to incorporate high-performance HPV testing in the screening process.

The meeting brought together experts, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocates to discuss comprehensive strategies to improve the current screening program, increase access to quality treatment of pre-cancer lesions, and enhance community awareness and education.

The Pan American Health Organization facilitated the meeting, and Dr. Anna Cabanes, a cancer epidemiologist and PAHO consultant, guided the process.

Participants also discussed leveraging innovative technologies to encourage women’s participation in screening, increase early detection and treatment, and improve monitoring and evaluation of the process.

​The importance of collaborative partnerships between governmental and non-governmental entities to combat cervical cancer was also emphasized, focusing on community involvement and education to increase awareness about preventive measures and promote regular screenings.

Dr. Cherie Tulloch, Head of the Cervical Cancer Taskforce in Antigua and Barbuda, stated that “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.

” 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. Their aim is to ensure that every woman receives equitable access to preventive measures and quality care, and they will continue to work towards achieving this goal.