Photo: Rubon JR Jacklick.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services in partnership with Youth to Youth in Health and WUTMI opened the first HPV Screen and Treat services at the youth program clinic in Uliga, marking an important step forward in the Marshall Islands’ goal to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.
This launch supports the RMI’s growing momentum toward a future where no woman dies from preventable cancer, said the ministry.
It builds on the endorsement of the National Policy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in 2024 and follows the completion of healthcare worker training in September, ensuring the country is prepared to deliver accessible, high-quality preventive services for women.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most urgent health challenges facing women in the Marshall Islands, where the nation continues to experience the highest morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease. Nearly 99 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — yet with early screening and timely treatment, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer.
The HPV Screen and Treat program targets women aged 30 to 65 years and uses a single-visit model, allowing women to receive screening and, when needed, treatment in the same appointment. This approach reduces delays and removes barriers, helping ensure that more women can access care quickly — a critical strategy in achieving elimination.
By offering services at the Youth to Youth in Health Clinic — outside of Majuro hospital and its related facilities — the program expands access for women who face challenges related to transportation, distance, or other obstacles.
“This launch is a historic moment for women’s health in the Marshall Islands,” said Dr. Dustin Bantol, Acting Secretary of Health. “By screening and treating women in a single visit, we are removing barriers, saving lives, and taking concrete steps toward the elimination of cervical cancer.”
Acting Minister of Health and Human Services, Gerald Zackios, added: “Cervical cancer is preventable, and today we are showing our commitment to protect every woman across our islands. Together with communities, healthcare workers, and partners, we are building a future where cervical cancer no longer threatens Marshallese women.”