Dr Arliene T. Penn, a WINBVI Ambassador and titleholder Mrs British Virgin Islands 2022/2023, has announced the launch of her 2026 FREE Pap smear screening initiative, titled 'EMPOWER YOU!', aimed at empowering women to take a proactive approach to their reproductive health. Photo: WINBVI

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection that can silently cause cervical changes, cervical cancer, other gynecological cancers, and serious reproductive health complications if not detected early. Photo: Internet Source

Dr Penn, a WINBVI Ambassador and titleholder Mrs British Virgin Islands 2022/2023, has announced the launch of her 2026 FREE Pap smear screening initiative, titled “EMPOWER YOU!”, aimed at empowering women to take a proactive approach to their reproductive health.

“This is my fifth year hosting this initiative and my sixth year publicly encouraging women to get screened regularly,” Dr Penn stated in a press release.

“My commitment to this work remains deep, because early detection continues to save lives,” she added.

Guided by her personal journey, the EMPOWER YOU! initiative focuses on education, early detection, and preventive care, encouraging women across the Virgin Islands to prioritise regular cervical cancer screenings.

Dr Penn emphasised that cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet life-threatening cancers affecting women worldwide. In alignment with the World Health Organisation (WHO), she highlighted that education, routine screening, and vaccination remain the most effective tools in saving lives.

As part of the initiative, free Pap smear screenings will be offered throughout February at the following participating clinics:  BVI Health Services Authority; The Wellness Centre Clinics; B&F Medical Complex; and Eureka Medical Clinic.

Registration & Scheduling

The registration period is January 15–31.

Eligible women must call/WhatsApp 440-4122 to register and select their preferred clinic.

Participating clinics will contact registrants to schedule appointments between February 1 and 28.  All appointments include a free consultation.

According to the press release from WINBVI, there is no co-pay required under National Health Insurance (NHI).

Eligibility Criteria

• Women 18–29 years, sexually active, who have never had a Pap smear

• Women 18–65 years, sexually active, who have not had a Pap smear in the past three years