The Ministry of Health and the Environment is encouraging women across Antigua and Barbuda to take advantage of free HPV screening services being offered regularly at clinics and health centres throughout the country.
In a public advisory issued this week, the ministry said the screenings are available not only during special outreach campaigns, but also on scheduled days at clinics islandwide.
“Take advantage of the service and get screened early. Early detection saves lives!” the ministry said.
According to the published schedule, the All Saints Health Centre offers screenings every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the Barbuda Health and Wellness Clinic provides the service daily.
Clare Hall Health Centre conducts screenings Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. Jennings Clinic offers screenings every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Glanvilles Polyclinic conducts screenings every Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Other facilities, including Liberta Clinic, Potters Clinic, Cobbs Cross Clinic and Villa Polyclinic, provide screenings on designated days each month.
Health officials said the programme is aimed at women between the ages of 30 and 65, especially those who have never had an HPV test or whose last screening was more than five years ago.
Appointments can be scheduled directly through participating clinics, online registration, or through the Cervical Cancer Elimination Unit.
The ministry continues to stress the importance of early detection in reducing the risk of cervical cancer.