Advisor to the Ministry of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy recently disclosed that a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing programme for women, ages 30 and above, will be rolled out shortly. According to the official, the programme will be used as one of the frontline interventions to identify people at risk and ensure immediate medical attention is provided.
“More than 85 per cent of all cervical cancer are due to HPV 16 and 18 in Guyana and therefore, if we could identify people who are HPV positive, we identify people at risk for cervical cancer and maybe other cancers too,” he stated.
According to the Department of Public Information, this measure would be complemented by frequent monitoring and the introduction of pap smears and cryotherapy among other medical interventions for persons with cervical cancer.
Additionally, the ministry is currently implementing HbA1c measurements in all primary healthcare centres to detect diabetes at an early stage.
“We do foot screening across the country. This year we expect to screen a child for vision and hearing. Just broadly introducing screening earlier and wider, so it reaches people wherever they live,” the health advisor relayed.
Meanwhile, a massive breast cancer screening programme will also be launched. In this regard, Dr. Ramsammy said, “We already have a cervical screening programme that is reaching people nationally…We are educating men about prostate too.”
He concluded, “So is a lot of work that is going on.”
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony also recently spoke about launching a national wellness initiative. That programme is expected to be geared towards promoting a healthier lifestyle among the Guyanese population.
