Antigua and Barbuda is set to launch a new programme, the National Cervical Screening Guidelines, aimed at improving the fight against cervical cancer.

This initiative is expected to greatly boost the country’s efforts to tackle the disease.

The programme will also include the scaling up of HPV testing, which will be implemented alongside the traditional pap smear, which has been the primary tool for detecting cervical cancer for many years.

The National Cervical Cancer Elimination Team has described the initiative as a pivotal moment in the country’s national health strategy and recognizes Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in cervical cancer elimination.

The program’s launch is scheduled for February 11 at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort’s Ballroom from 4 pm-8 pm.

Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers being diagnosed in women in Antigua and Barbuda, with the estimated death rate from cervical cancer in the twin island nation being among one of the highest in the region.

The disease affects young women, including mothers, daughters, sisters, and in many cases, breadwinners.

The new programme joins an ever-growing list of initiatives the local task force implements. In 2022, the Ministry of Health and PAHO introduced a new high-performance test – HPV testing – becoming the first country in the Eastern Caribbean to implement it.

The PAHO has supported the country with technical training, equipment, and tests to start the project. The organization has also provided machines that can help treat women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

The project’s first phase began in 2018 with the launch of the HPV vaccination programme. HPV is a viral infection commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths (warts).

There are over 100 varieties; some types of infection cause warts, and some can cause different types of cancer.

Most HPV infections don’t lead to cancer. However, some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina (cervix).

Other types of cancers, including cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and back of the throat (oropharyngeal), have been linked to HPV infection. These infections are often transmitted sexually or through other skin-to-skin contact.

Vaccines can help protect against the strains of HPV most likely to cause genital warts or cervical cancer.

The PAHO has been working with the Antiguan authorities to introduce HPV vaccination as part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.