FOR THE past few years, the Health Ministry has been increasing awareness of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer affecting women, and this has led to more women seeking screening, diagnosis and treatment.
The Health Ministry has also introduced the Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA) methodology free of cost, to encourage women to check on their status, as early detection can potentially save lives. Another initiative is the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, to be administered to young girls from 11 years old to prevent their developing cervical cancer. There are 100 types of this virus, and all are spread through sexual intercourse.
The Government of Guyana is making available Gardasil, a vaccine that guards against cervical cancer and genital warts, and has shown effectiveness in protecting against cancers of the anus, vagina and vulva.
In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Health Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran said that vaccination is one of the main measures used to prevent certain diseases. Importantly, prevention of the disease protects the health and wellbeing of the person concerned, and at the same time has an impact on the country’s economy. 
“This is a new vaccine being introduced. We already have a robust immunization programme, with some 16 vaccines being available in our public health system to vaccinate our kids against preventable childhood diseases, and this is an addition,” he said.
Minister Ramsaran explained that the vaccine against HPV is aimed particularly at protecting the health of young women between 11 and 13 years old. The effectiveness of the vaccine will be seen several years hence, when the targeted age group will reflect a reduction in the number of cervical cancer cases. 

Launch of the HPV vaccine
The vaccine is scheduled to be launched into the health care system on Wednesday, January 11, following which it will be rolled out with 20,400 doses, to be administered in three doses over a six-month period at primary schools and health centres in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Minister Ramsaran emphasised that all studies show the immunization effect is long-lasting, hence the Health Ministry is hoping to capture young women before they become sexually active, particularly since studies in Guyana indicate that sexual activity can happen from as early as 13 years old.
Importantly, the vaccine works best before exposure to the HPV virus, and also prevents the occurrence of other illnesses, including genital and anal warts, because those are also caused by the HPV virus.
“This is a long-term investment… The cost of the vaccine and logistics make it one of the most costly vaccines in the vaccination programme,” Minister Ramsaran stated. However, the cost has been reduced due to support from the ministry’s technical supporters.

Cervical Cancer awareness
The introduction of the HPV vaccine in Guyana coincides with international observances for cervical cancer awareness in January. This year will see the Ministry’s Health Promotion Unit expanding its activities with visits to schools, lectures, and medical outreaches with emphasis on providing VIA screening.
“We are fanning out the VIA programme into the regions. This programme has resulted in more women buying into the programme, and the MOH has been experiencing less cultural hiccups/taboos against women’s involvement,” Minister Ramsaran disclosed.
The VIA, introduced in 2007, ensures early detection of, and treatment for, cervical cancer. Since 2007, over 25 sites have been established at various health institutions throughout the country, as Guyana has a high percentage of cervical cancer cases.
Emphasis is placed on the single-visit approach, where women are screened, diagnosed and treated for cervical cancer in one visit; and this procedure has resulted in over 10,000 women accessing the service.

Corporate support
The Health Ministry is also receiving support from corporate Guyana towards the advancement of cervical cancer awareness. Minister Ramsaran pointed out that, during the third week of January, medical teams will be stationed at the Laparkan Group’s headquarters at Forgarty’s on Water Street, facilitating participation of female workers from that and contiguous entities, including the Guyana Post Office, Muneshwer’s, Republic Bank and GBTI, in activities such as medical checkups and VIA screening.
In 2009, the Guyana Cancer Society disclosed that, between 2004 and 2009, there were 520 reported cases of cervical cancer, with 309 persons surviving since diagnosis.