Marshall Islands Launches New HPV Screen and Treat Services to Combat Cervical Cancer

The Marshall Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services, in partnership with Youth to Youth in Health (YTYIH) and Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI), officially launched new Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Screen and Treat services on February 19, 2026. The inaugural services commenced at the youth program clinic in Uliga, marking a significant stride in the nation's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

Addressing a Critical Health Challenge

Cervical cancer poses a critical health challenge in the Marshall Islands, where it is the most common form of cancer and the nation experiences some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates globally. Data from 2020 indicated an incidence rate of 70 cases per 100,000 women, which is five times higher than the global average. Between 2007 and 2020, the Republic of the Marshall Islands recorded incidence rates ranging from 58.1 to 83.4 per 100,000 women. Approximately 12,387 women aged 20-59 years are considered most at-risk for cervical cancer in the country.

Innovative Single-Visit Model

The newly launched HPV Screen and Treat program targets women aged 30 to 65 years and employs an innovative single-visit model. This approach allows women to receive both screening and, if necessary, immediate treatment within the same appointment, thereby reducing delays and removing barriers to care. Cervical cancer is largely preventable and treatable, with nearly 99 percent of cases caused by HPV. The program utilizes advanced methods such as point-of-care HPV testing, potentially including self-collection, and same-day curative treatment for pre-cancerous lesions using thermal ablation devices. This builds upon the country's recent adoption of HPV DNA testing as a 'gold standard' screening method, aiming to increase screening coverage to 70% of women aged 25-60.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook

The launch of these services is a direct outcome of the endorsement of the National Policy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in 2024 and follows comprehensive healthcare worker training completed in September 2025. By offering these services at the Youth to Youth in Health Clinic, located outside the main Majuro hospital, the program aims to enhance accessibility for women who may face transportation or other logistical challenges.

Dr. Dustin Bantol, Acting Secretary of Health, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, 'This launch is a historic moment for women's health in the Marshall Islands. 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.' Gerald Zackios, Acting Minister of Health and Human Services, 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.'

The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Youth to Youth in Health (an NGO dedicated to youth empowerment and health), and WUTMI (a leading women's organization advocating for Marshallese women and families) underscore a unified commitment to improving women's health outcomes across the Marshall Islands.