Guyana has significantly increased its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage among adolescents from approximately 16 per cent to 69 per cent within the last 18 months.
This brings the country closer to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 90 per cent benchmark needed to eliminate cervical cancer.
Speaking at the “Stories of Strength: Celebrating Survivors” event hosted last Friday by The Lotus Cancer Initiative Inc and the Ministry of Health, at Cara Lodge Hotel at Quamina Street in Georgetown, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony described the vaccination campaign as a critical pillar of Guyana’s national strategy to eradicate cervical cancer.
The minister explained that the country has transitioned to the 9-valent HPV vaccine, which protects against nine major strains of the virus.
Although the vaccine costs about US$360 per dose on the international market, it is being provided free of charge through the Ministry of Health.
Dr Anthony said the dramatic increase in vaccination coverage demonstrates the success of the ministry’s aggressive public health campaign. While also noting that efforts will continue until Guyana achieves the WHO’s 90 per cent coverage target, a key milestone in eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
Beyond vaccination, the minister outlined broader investments to improve cancer care, including the decentralisation of mammography services, expansion of diagnostic infrastructure, and the training of specialised professionals such as medical physicists and oncology nurses.
The health minister also praised cancer survivors for their resilience and encouraged them to become advocates for early screening and prevention, noting that greater public awareness and early intervention are essential to saving lives.