GPHC receives US$100,000 in HPV & cervical cancer screening equipment

In an effort to strengthen its fight against cervical cancer, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday received US$100,000 in HPV and cervical cancer screening equipment from the Chinese Medical Brigade.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan handed over the equipment to Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony on Friday as part of a donation from the Chinese Medical Brigade through the People’s Republic of China.

It is aimed at boosting Guyana’s fight against cervical cancer, the most prevalent type of cancer among women and allows for the testing of HPV in the public sector for the first time.

“We have in our hands the means of eliminating cervical cancer from Guyana and that is really to use HPV vaccines.

“Unfortunately our coverage for HPV vaccine is still relatively low,” Dr Anthony said.

He said the ministry is hoping to roll on an “aggressive” HPV vaccination programme this year.

“We want to ensure that everyone in our health centers will be able to give HPV vaccination,” Dr Anthony said.

Ambassador Haiyan said the equipment can serve as a useful supplement to the cervical cancer screening programme that is being implemented in Guyana.

“Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer but it can be detected and treated early so as to reduce the incidents and mortality,” Ambassador Haiyan said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC Robbie Rambarran said China’s Government has been a long standing partner of Guyana.

He noted that they have supported the country’s health care system in areas such as training and capacity building.

“We are immensely for the partnership the Chinese Medical team and their generous contribution to our capacity building and improving our services,” Rambarran said.