The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs is encouraging eligible women to take advantage of free HPV screening services being offered at health facilities across Antigua and Barbuda as part of its cervical cancer prevention programme.

The ministry said the initiative is aimed at promoting early detection of cervical cancer, emphasizing that “early detection saves lives.”

Women between the ages of 30 and 65 are eligible for the free screening if they have never had an HPV test, if their last HPV test was conducted more than five years ago, or if they have not undergone surgery to remove their entire uterus.

Screening services are available at multiple clinics on scheduled days, including the All Saints Health Centre, Barbuda Health and Wellness Clinic, Bolans/Johnson’s Point Clinics, Browne’s Avenue Health Centre, Clare Hall Health Centre, Cobbs Cross Clinic, Glanvilles Polyclinic, Gray’s Farm Health Centre, Jennings Clinic, Liberta Clinic, Potters Clinic, Swetes Clinic and Villa Polyclinic.

Clinic schedules vary by location, with some facilities offering weekly services while others provide screening on designated days each month.

Women wishing to participate can schedule an appointment by contacting the clinic of their choice. Appointments can also be arranged by registering online through the ministry’s HPV screening portal, emailing the Cervical Cancer Elimination Unit, or calling the unit directly at 781-8256.

The Ministry is urging eligible women to participate in the programme, noting that routine screening plays a critical role in preventing cervical cancer through the early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous changes.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Free HPV Screening Programme Expanded Across Antigua and Barbuda.