Ministry of Health to ramp up HPV testing

THE MINISTRY OF Health, Wellness and the Environment is redoubling its efforts to increase awareness about cervical cancer in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

This assurance has come from Minister of Health, St Clair Prince during the July, 29, 2025 meeting of the House of Assembly. He was responding to a question about the often fatal disease.

Cervical cancer is linked to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)infection, and the minister noted that testing for HPV will be ramped up from October this year.

Additionally, there are now increased treatment options for cervical cancer both locally and abroad.

Girls between the ages of 9-13 will be specially targetted for the HPV vaccine, which will be administered upon request.

Minister Prince noted that the HPV vaccine has been long available in St Vincent and the Grenadines, but is being met with resistance and hesitancy.

He explained that the HPV vaccine is usually given to young girls before the onset of sexual activity, to increase their body’s resistance to HPV which is sexually transmitted.

The question, which related to the prevalence of cervical cancer in St Vincent and the Grenadines, was asked by Opposition Senator, Shevern John.

Minister Prince responding, noted that in 2024, 17 women in St Vincent and the Grenadines were diagnosed with cervical cancer.