Civic Center Hosts Cervical Cancer Forum Under the Theme: “Empowering Women and Girls Against Cervical Cancer”

PRESS RELEASE

Civic Center Hosts Cervical Cancer Forum Under the Theme: “Empowering Women and Girls Against Cervical Cancer”

Belize City, 06 February, 2025–

The Civic Center was the venue for a vital discussion on cervical cancer today, as healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members came together for a forum under the theme “Empowering Women and Girls Against Cervical Cancer.”

The event aimed to raise awareness, promote prevention strategies, and advocate for better access to screening and treatment services. Participants engaged in insightful plenary sessions covering key topics such as HPV vaccination, early detection, and policy interventions to reduce cervical cancer rates.

The forum commenced with a welcome address from Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, President of the Belize Cancer Society, who underscored the urgency of prioritizing cervical cancer prevention in Belize.

The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Kevin Bernard, who emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening public health initiatives and increasing access to life-saving services.

Additional remarks were given by Dr. Karen Robert, PAHO’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) lead, and Dr. Melissa Diaz Musa, Deputy Director of Health Services at MOHW. Both speakers reinforced the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in the fight against cervical cancer and the need to expand HPV vaccination coverage and screening programs nationwide.

The forum consisted of two plenaries. In the first plenary, Dr. Karen Roberts presented a global elimination strategy, followed by Dr. Abbey Manzanero, who discussed the HPV vaccination program in Belize and its role in preventing cervical cancer. The second session featured a presentation by Mrs. Joan Burke-Skeen on the importance of screening, early detection, and treatment of cervical cancer. This was accompanied by a discussion from Dr. Romantico Yacab on cervical cancer risk factors, including those related to sexual health, lifestyle, and other contributing factors.

The forum also featured personal testimonies from cervical cancer survivors, interactive discussions, and a call to action for greater investment in public health. Participants highlighted the need for increased awareness campaigns and stronger partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

Apart from the plenaries, the Belize Cancer Society, in partnership with PAHO and the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW), facilitated HPV vaccinations and on-site cervical cancer screenings, ensuring that attendees had direct access to critical health services.

This event marks a significant step toward ensuring that every woman and girl in Belize has the knowledge, resources, and access to healthcare services necessary to protect themselves against cervical cancer.

For more information, please contact:
Belize Cancer Society
Mrs. Nina Allen
+501 613-7666

END

‍