Key moments
On March 27, 2026, Georgetown, Guyana, marked a pivotal moment in public health as the country concluded a five-day mission focused on cervical cancer elimination. This initiative was supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The mission aimed to enhance the country’s strategies in combating cervical cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Guyana.
During the mission, healthcare providers received training in essential procedures such as colposcopy, thermal ablation, and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). These training sessions are crucial for improving the capacity of local healthcare professionals to manage cervical cancer effectively. The collaboration also included a review of Guyana’s cervical cancer elimination strategy and the updating of guidelines for HPV DNA testing.
Statistics reveal the urgency of the situation: the mortality rate for cervical cancer in Guyana was recorded at 30.3 per 100,000 women in 2022. This alarming figure underscores the need for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies. In response, the Ministry of Health has implemented a universal voucher system that screened 20,853 women for HPV in 2024 and 2025, a significant step towards early detection and intervention.
In recent years, vaccination efforts have also seen progress. Currently, HPV vaccination rates among girls aged 9 to 15 years are estimated at 70%. In 2025, Guyana upgraded its HPV vaccine from quadrivalent to nonavalent, enhancing the protection offered to young girls. The Ministry of Health has set an ambitious target to achieve a 90% HPV vaccination rate by 2030, reflecting a strong commitment to reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.
The mission emphasized the importance of improving community engagement and patient follow-up systems for HPV testing. A data management framework was agreed upon to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of the cervical cancer program, ensuring that efforts are effective and sustainable. This approach aligns with the PAHO Plan of Action for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control 2018–2030, which aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem across the region.
As the mission concluded, officials from the Ministry of Health, including Dr. Frank Anthony, expressed optimism about the progress made and the collaborative efforts with international partners. Dr. Kim Eva Dickson from WHO highlighted the importance of continued support and training for healthcare providers to ensure the success of these initiatives.
In summary, Guyana’s recent mission represents a significant step forward in the fight against cervical cancer. With a focus on vaccination, screening, and healthcare provider training, the country is making strides towards a healthier future for women. However, the challenges remain substantial, and ongoing commitment from both local and international stakeholders will be essential to achieve the ambitious goals set forth.