Antigua and Barbuda Nears WHO Cervical Cancer Screening Target as Progress Highlighted at CHOGM

Antigua and Barbuda is moving closer to a major international target in the fight against cervical cancer, having screened nearly 63 per cent of eligible women as the country strengthens efforts to eliminate the disease as a public health problem.

The achievement was highlighted by Dr. Cherrie Tulloch, Head of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Task Force, during the launch of the Spouses’ Programme at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to Dr. Tulloch, 62.9 per cent of eligible women had undergone cervical cancer screening by October 2025, bringing the country closer to the World Health Organization's (WHO) target of 70 per cent screening coverage.

The national programme has also identified 411 women who tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) and required follow-up care, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that screening services are supported by timely diagnosis, treatment and continued monitoring.

Dr. Tulloch attributed the country's progress to three key factors: strong political commitment, the dedication of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, and partnerships with regional and international organisations.

She explained that Antigua and Barbuda introduced its national HPV vaccination programme in 2018, laying the groundwork for a broader approach to cervical cancer prevention.

The country subsequently introduced HPV DNA testing through a demonstration project conducted between 2022 and 2023, before expanding the service nationwide in 2025.

The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Basic Health International, has also strengthened patient tracking and follow-up services through the use of digital health records.

Addressing representatives from other Commonwealth countries, Dr. Tulloch stressed that cervical cancer elimination requires more than vaccination and screening alone.

She encouraged governments to establish comprehensive programmes connecting prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, ensuring that women who test positive receive the medical attention they need.

Public education and community involvement were also identified as critical components of a successful programme, particularly in addressing misconceptions and stigma associated with HPV.

Dr. Tulloch further recommended expanding access to screening through measures such as self-sampling and extended clinic hours, while investing in reliable health information systems to improve patient monitoring.

For countries seeking to establish similar programmes, she advised assessing existing healthcare capacity, identifying individuals who can champion the initiative within government and communities, and building on services already available.

She also encouraged smaller developing countries to learn from the experiences of nations facing similar healthcare challenges.

While acknowledging the progress made, Dr. Tulloch emphasised that achieving cervical cancer elimination will require sustained political commitment, adequate financing and continued collaboration among healthcare providers, governments and international partners.

Antigua and Barbuda's experience was presented as an example of how smaller nations can make measurable progress in cervical cancer prevention through coordinated national programmes and strategic partnerships.

The presentation formed part of the CHOGM 2026 Spouses’ Programme, providing an opportunity to share the country's public health achievements and lessons with representatives from across the Commonwealth.