Dominican Republic launches HPV testing pilot to prevent cervical cancer

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Public Health has launched a pilot project to introduce Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing as a primary screening method to help eliminate cervical cancer. The initiative is currently being implemented in the provinces of Elías Piña and Dajabón.

The project, titled ‘Strengthening Primary Care for Maternal and Child Health in Dajabón and Elías Piña’, is supported by technical and financial assistance from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) and technical assistance from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

The program includes training for clinical, epidemiological, statistical, and supervisory personnel. The scope of the project covers screening, sample collection, triage, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and evaluation. It also incorporates thermal ablation practices and colposcopy training. The long-term goal is to expand this model nationwide to meet global targets for the elimination of cervical cancer by 2030.