Antigua and Barbuda has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a hospital in China last week for a cancer prevention vaccine. Photo: Loop News

Molwyn, who was part of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation that was headed by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, told reporters on his return here Monday evening that the vaccine could become a reality within two years.

“What excited me in China was the opportunity to learn more of what is already there in terms of science and technology in dealing with so many of the diseases that are taking the lives of Antiguans and Barbudans, such as diabetes,” he told reporters.

“I was blown away when we visited a hospital and we were able to see a piece of equipment that not only diagnosed the patient at the end stage of the disease, but it is an equipment that can forecast the disease.”

He described the Chinese approach to health care was very revealing and “they have the equipment that gives them that capacity, not only for diabetes but for cancer screening.

“There is a new technology which we were fully exposed to, where dealing with cancer would be like dealing with a vaccine. They are saying that they are working on a vaccine that can prevent cancer.

“Can you imagine that, but not only that, but they are developing the technology to give your body the ability to fight cancers and that technology according to the scientists is about two years away from maturing and we here in Antigua and Barbuda will have the opportunity to be first in line for that technology that can be shared with the rest of the Caribbean,” he added.