National Forum Advances Push to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Belize

A national effort to eliminate cervical cancer gained momentum today in Belize City, where health leaders and advocates gathered for a high-level public forum.

The event was hosted by the Belize Cancer Society in partnership with Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. It brought together clinicians, healthcare partners, advocates and survivors to raise awareness and strengthen national education efforts surrounding cervical cancer prevention and early detection.

Cervical cancer has been identified by PAHO as a disease that can be eliminated, and stakeholders stressed that Belize has both the opportunity and the responsibility to act decisively.

Kim Simplis Barrow, President of the Belize Cancer Society, said the forum forms part of the organization’s broader advocacy mission. “The Belize Cancer Society is hosting this cervical cancer forum and we partnered with PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Health. Our mandate is to advocate, educate and also trying to inspire. This forum is bringing together clinicians, healthcare partners, advocates, and of course Ms. Michelle who has lived the experience,” she said.

Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, PAHO/WHO Representative in Belize, underscored that cervical cancer elimination is a regional priority. “Cervical cancer elimination is one of the priorities for PAHO. Our director has a disease elimination agenda and cervical cancer is one of the diseases we know can be eliminated and this is one of the priorities for PAHO. And so, working with the Belize Cancer Society to build awareness, to increase public knowledge about cervical cancer, how it can be prevented, what Belize needs to do, really fits in closely with our mandate,” Lewis-Bell said.

Organizers say the forum marks another step in strengthening Belize’s response.