The Ministry of Health continues its work to address cervical cancer in Vanuatu.

The services provided by the Ministry of Health include HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years, screening for women and girls, and treatment for cervical cancer.

The Ministry said these services follow a global commitment to reduce and eliminate cervical cancer by the year 2032.

Family Health Manager at the Department of Public Health, Ben Taura, said work is already underway to develop a National Strategy to reduce the disease in Vanuatu.

Ben Taura said, “We are developing a national strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer in Vanuatu. This document will be endorsed or launched in the first quarter as a key achievement and the first of its kind in the country, to have a national strategy in place that works in line with Vanuatu’s targets and the WHO goal to eliminate cervical cancer.”

Manager Taura also spoke about the signs of the disease and urged women to go for regular screening.

Ben Taura said, “Abnormal bleeding , while having a period is normal for a woman’s body, with this disease you may see more bleeding. There is also pain during sex and vaginal discharge.”

In Vanuatu, many women are affected by the disease, with reports showing the highest number of cases in Shefa Province due to its larger population.