The Virgin Islands has reached a significant milestone by achieving over 90 percent coverage of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for two consecutive years. Photo: Internet Source

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is leading an HPV vaccination campaign across the Caribbean, aiming for high coverage among girls aged 9 to 15, while also expanding the initiative to include older women and, in some cases, boys. Photo: PAHO/ Youtube

In a recent interview aired on PAHO TV, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), expressed that this achievement is a significant milestone for him as the minister of health. “When I was appointed minister in 2023, and subsequently, Minister for Health for OECS region. One of the things I wanted to focus on was preventative medicine.” Photo: PAHO/Youtube

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald E. Georges highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating,“Essentially, we have achieved our objective with regards to the population at risk. So, as they age, those cohorts of persons, will become persons who will be less likely to develop cervical cancer.” Photo: PAHO/ Youtube

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is leading an HPV vaccination campaign across the Caribbean, aiming for high coverage among girls aged 9 to 15, while also expanding the initiative to include older women and, in some cases, boys. 

2026 targeted for the elimination of cervical cancer 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified the year 2026 as the target for the elimination of cervical cancer through strengthened immunisation efforts and by promoting the transition from two-dose to single-dose vaccination protocols. 

In a recent interview aired on PAHO TV, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), expressed that this achievement is a significant milestone for him as the Minister of Health. “When I was appointed minister in 2023, and subsequently, Minister for Health for the OECS region. One of the things I wanted to focus on was preventative medicine.” 

'Tremendous achievement for the VI'

He said the Virgin Islands reaching over 90% HPV for two consecutive years is a tremendous achievement for the Virgin Islands. 

Meantime, Ms Tasha K. Bertie, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, emphasised that achieving 93% HPV vaccination coverage required strong coordination and clear national leadership.

“The ministry played a central role in aligning all partners, healthcare providers, schools, community stakeholders, and power,” she added.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating, “Essentially, we have achieved our objective with regard to the population at risk. So, as they age, those cohorts of persons will become persons who will be less likely to develop cervical cancer.”