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

Historic Launch for Women's Health in Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has taken a significant step in public health with the launch of new Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Screen and Treat services. On February 19, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS), in partnership with Youth to Youth in Health (YTYIH) and Women United Together Marshall Islands (WUTMI), officially opened these services at the YTYIH clinic in Uliga. This initiative marks a crucial advancement in the nation's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

Innovative 'Screen and Treat' Model Targets High-Risk Group

The newly introduced HPV Screen and Treat program is designed to be highly efficient and accessible. It targets women aged 30 to 65 years and employs a single-visit model, allowing for both screening and, if necessary, immediate treatment during the same appointment. This approach is critical for reducing delays in care and removing barriers that might prevent women from accessing vital health services. The screening method utilizes HPV DNA testing, recognized as a 'gold standard' for its high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting the high-risk HPV strains responsible for nearly 99 percent of cervical cancer cases.

Addressing a Critical Health Challenge

Cervical cancer represents the most common form of cancer and a pressing health challenge for women in the Marshall Islands. The nation has historically faced one of the highest incidences of cervical cancer globally, with rates ranging from 58.1 to 83.4 per 100,000 women between 2007 and 2020. In 2020, the incidence was reported at 70 cases per 100,000 women, five times the global average. This new program builds upon the National Policy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, endorsed in 2024, and follows comprehensive training for healthcare workers, ensuring the country is equipped to deliver high-quality preventive services.

Collaborative Effort for a Healthier Future

The launch is a testament to a collaborative effort involving key organizations. The Ministry of Health and Human Services leads the initiative, while Youth to Youth in Health, a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering young people, hosts the services at its clinic in Uliga. WUTMI (Women United Together Marshall Islands), a leading women's advocacy group established in 1987, also plays a crucial role in supporting and strengthening Marshallese women and families. Dr. Dustin Bantol, Acting Secretary of Health, emphasized the significance of the launch, 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.' The RMI government, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pacific, aims to increase screening coverage to 70% of women aged 25-60, a substantial increase from the previous 37%.