Key moments
On March 27, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana, health officials announced the completion of a five-day mission aimed at strengthening cervical cancer prevention and control in the country. This initiative is crucial as cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Guyana, with a mortality rate of 30.3 per 100,000 women reported in 2022.
During the mission, health professionals reviewed Guyana’s cervical cancer elimination strategy and implementation plan. The collaboration involved the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and local health authorities, including the Ministry of Health. The mission emphasized the importance of communication and community-based approaches to enhance HPV vaccination rates.
In recent years, significant strides have been made in cervical cancer prevention in Guyana. Between 2024 and 2025, 20,853 women were screened for HPV, and vaccination rates for girls aged 9 to 15 years are estimated at 70%. The introduction of the nonavalent HPV vaccine, provided free of cost to both girls and boys starting in 2025, has been a pivotal step in combating the disease.
The mission also established a training pathway for primary and secondary care providers on colposcopy, thermal ablation, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). These training programs are designed to improve the skills of healthcare providers, ensuring more effective treatment and management of cervical cancer.
Additionally, strategies were identified to improve screening processes and increase the uptake of HPV testing among women. This is particularly important given the high mortality rates associated with cervical cancer in the region. The mission’s findings will help align Guyana’s efforts with the PAHO Plan of Action for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control 2018–2030.
Health officials, including Dr. Frank Anthony, have reiterated Guyana’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer. The collaboration with international organizations aims to bolster local capabilities and resources, ultimately reducing the burden of this preventable disease.
As cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Guyana and across the Caribbean, the outcomes of this mission are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future health policies and initiatives. The focus on community engagement and education is vital for increasing awareness and participation in cervical cancer prevention programs.
