Majuro, Marshall Islands – February 15, 2025 – H.E. President Hilda C. Heine delivered the keynote address at the Cervical Cancer Awareness Field Day held at the Jenrok Track and Field. The community event, organized by the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS), the Cancer Support Group, and Mejedrik Club, focused on raising awareness about the prevention of cervical cancer.
President Heine highlighted the need to increase vaccination rates, aiming for a goal of 90%, as only 36% of the population received the HPV vaccine in the past year. Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death for women in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, making efforts to combat this disease critical for the health of our people and the future of our nation.
“No mother, no daughter, no sister should ever have to suffer from a disease that we can stop,” she declared, adding that this collective effort will ensure no woman faces cervical cancer in the future.
She reiterated the importance of families uniting in a collective commitment to prioritize early detection and vaccination as a critical measure for preventing cervical cancer. “Today, we make a promise—a promise to protect the health of our children and grandchildren, and to give them a future free from preventable diseases like cervical cancer,” said President Heine. “By taking this important step, we are ensuring that our girls grow up with the opportunity to live healthier, longer lives.”
The event also celebrated the efforts of local groups and organizations dedicated to cancer prevention. President Heine recognized the contributions of the Nito Foundation, the Cancer Support Group, and the SISTERHOOPS4HEALTH program, among others, for their tireless work in educating the community and supporting those affected by cancer. She also acknowledged the role of WUTMI in starting the screening program in 2019, which has been crucial in raising awareness and providing vital services to women in the Marshall Islands.
