The mortality and disability associated with cervical cancer are set to drop significantly with the introduction of a new 2024-2030 National Action Plan.
The initiative for the elimination of the cancer was unveiled yesterday, at the Pegasus Corporate Suites in Kingston, Georgetown, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
The booklet, outlining strategies to achieve these goals, was a collaboration among the Ministry of Health, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the Pan-American Health Organisation, and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony emphasised that the comprehensive programme will address cancer from its prevention stage through to treatment.
Starting next week, women will have easy access to screening for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer.
“Screening is absolutely important. We are going to make it as easy as possible. We will be explaining to people how the testing will be done and giving them the kits. We have developed this strategy and now what we have to do is take what is in there and start implementing it,” Anthony stated.
The action plan also emphasises increasing HPV vaccination coverage. The vaccine is recommended for females between the ages of nine and 45.
Also present at the launching was Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand who highlighted the importance of early intervention through school-based vaccination and education initiatives.
PAHO’s Specialist in Non-communicable Diseases and Family Health, Karen Roberts applauded the health ministry for developing the holistic strategy.
