Ministry of Health calls for Increased Cervical Cancer Screening

January is observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and therefore the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition has renewed its commitment to ending cervical cancer as a public health problem—an achievable goal when we vaccinate, screen, and treat in a timely and equitable way. Saint Lucia has already made meaningful strides towards elimination targets and has seen increased HPV coverage in girls and boys aged 11-12 years. The Ministry of Health has also improved its access to screening, care and follow-up for cervical cancer. There has been increased screening of women at the primary healthcare level – an engagement that we will continue to strengthen. Cervical cancer screening is now offered under Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing and liquid-based cytology (LBC) being made available island wide. Services are available, with a strong focus at the primary care level. Cervical cancer prevention and early detection services are offered throughout the health system, with Primary Care and Community Wellness Centres playing a central role. This month, the Ministry of Health will continue focused action to expand coverage, improve screening quality and follow-up, and ensure that every woman can access prevention, early detection, and care.