The Ministry of Health is advancing efforts to improve women’s healthcare with the rollout of new treatment equipment and the development of a national strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer.
Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony recently participated in a presentation at the Diamond Regional Hospital, where findings related to cervical cancer elimination in Guyana were examined. The session, organised by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) alongside international partners, outlined priority areas for strengthening the country’s response to the disease.
Cervical cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, and is most commonly caused by persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It often develops without symptoms in its early stages but can later lead to abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and unusual discharge. Despite being largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening, it remains a major public health concern in Guyana.
Data from PAHO and the HPV Information Centre show that approximately 121 women are diagnosed annually, with about 63 deaths recorded each year. The country also has one of the highest incidence rates in the region—estimated at 46.9 per 100,000 women—while most cases are detected at an advanced stage, limiting treatment success. The disease continues to affect many women in their most productive years.
During the engagement, health authorities across all regions received thermal ablation devices, which are expected to enhance treatment options for patients diagnosed with HPV. The equipment is intended to make care more accessible while reducing the time patients wait for treatment.
In addition to the distribution of devices, healthcare workers are undergoing continued training in colposcopy to improve their ability to detect and manage cervical abnormalities at earlier stages.
The initiative is being carried out through collaboration between the Ministry of Health, PAHO, and the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Texas, with a focus on boosting prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
Authorities say the move reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the health system through investment, partnerships, and expanded access to critical services, as Guyana works toward eliminating cervical cancer and safeguarding women’s health.
