Minister of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation and the Environment, the honorable Sir Molwyn Joseph as well as management and staff within the Ministry congratulates Dr. Cherie Tulloch, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cervical Cancer Task Force, on being selected as one of ten members of the new cohort of Young Leaders in Global Cancer Control 2023/2024.

The candidates were selected from a pool of 377 applicants from professionals across 86 countries. The submissions were evaluated based on their track record, expertise, leadership skills, demonstrated impact on cancer control in their region or country and the potential benefit the members will derive as young leaders.

This recognition is directly related to the pivotal role Dr. Tulloch played in the implementation of Antigua and Barbuda’s national strategy to eliminate cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda. The pilot program which was implemented in 2022 followed PAHO’s evaluation of several countries in the region and selected Antigua and Barbuda based on the countries readiness and capabilities to successfully carry out the program.

The pilot program was deemed a success and was given the nod of approval from PAHO to scale up efforts in eliminating cervical cancer.

The ULCC initiative supports mid-career cancer control professionals with a proven track record and a multi-disciplinary and collaborative outlook to expand their opportunities for international engagement and maximize their impact within the broader global or regional context.

Over the next year, Young Leaders will have the chance to attend ULCC’s flagship global events – the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit in October 2023 in the US and the World Cancer Congress in September 2024 in Switzerland. They will also engage in collaborative project work, hone their ability to drive change at the system level and access other opportunities to raise their international profile.

Sir Molwyn congratulates Dr. Tulloch on her successful candidacy in the International Young Leaders Program 2023/2024 and expresses his appreciation for her continued leadership in the country’s effort in the elimination of cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Minister says the goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Antigua and Barbuda is of top priority and is confident that it can be achieved similarly to when the country eliminated mother to child transmission of HIV and Syphilis.

He further stated that in addition to the fight against cervical cancer, the ministry will continue to simultaneously develop and implement robust campaigns in the fight against other cancers by undertaking vigorous programs to educate and bring awareness to the screening and treatment available in Antigua and Barbuda. These Cancers include breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Antigua and Barbuda.