The Ministry of Health is reminding women across Antigua and Barbuda that there is still an opportunity to take advantage of free weekend HPV testing at the Villa Polyclinic later this month.
In a public notice, the ministry said women who missed the first testing weekend should not be discouraged, as additional screening dates have been scheduled for Saturday, 30 May and Sunday, 31 May from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
The initiative is aimed at helping to reduce the risk of cervical cancer through early detection of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is one of the leading causes of the disease.
According to the notice, women between the ages of 30 and 65 are eligible for testing, including women who have never previously done an HPV test. Women who have not undergone surgery to remove the entire uterus also qualify.
Health officials stressed that women who have already completed a pap smear are still eligible to participate in the screening programme.
The Ministry of Health encouraged eligible women to make use of the free service, noting that early testing can help save lives through timely treatment and intervention.
Additional information is available by contacting hpvtestingab@gmail.com or calling (268) 781-8256.