Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, led the Cervical Cancer Taskforce ceremony at Villa Seventh Day Adventist Church, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and vaccination.

Chief Medical Officer (Ag) Dr. Kamaria DeCastro, Deputy CMO Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph, and Task Force Head Dr. Cherie Tulloch attended. Minister Joseph highlighted cervical cancer as highly preventable through awareness, screening, and vaccination. He announced expanded HPV testing in 2024, with 2,100 women receiving their first tests.

Reflecting on Antigua and Barbuda’s 2018 milestone as the first Caribbean nation to access the HPV vaccine via PAHO, he reaffirmed efforts to expand testing, vaccination, and treatment. He also noted the government’s waiver of HPV testing fees and urged men to support women through awareness and screening.

The event, attended by survivors and healthcare professionals, reinforced community support in the fight against cervical cancer.