Cancer preventive vaccine to be available in Antigua and Barbuda soon: Health Minister

Antigua and Barbuda is all set to become the first Caribbean nation to offer a cancer preventive vaccination. The development was announced after a memorandum of understanding was signed last week with a Chinese hospital.

According to the reports, the Minister of Health of the twin-island nation, Sir Molwyn Joseph on Monday informed during a press conference that the preventive cancer drug might be available within two years.

Molwyn visited China with Prime Minister Gaston Browne for an official trip, and the delegation returned on Monday. [caption id="attachment_67454" align="alignnone" width="906"] PM Browne and delegation returns from China[/caption] During the conference, the Health Minister said that what excited him in China was the chance to learn more about what is already there in terms of science and technology in dealing with several diseases that are taking the lives of many Antiguans and Barbudans, such as diabetes.

Furthermore, the Minister added that he was blown away when he visited a hospital, and the delegation was able to witness a piece of equipment which not only diagnosed the patient during the end stage of the disease but also had the equipment which could predict the disease.

Sir Molwyn Joseph described the approach of China as 'highly illuminating'. He stated that they have the equipment which given that capacity not only for diabetes but also for cancer screening.

While describing his experience in China, the Minister said that they were totally exposed to a new technology which makes dealing with cancer similar to dealing with a vaccine. He said that Chinese health officials are also developing a cancer prevention vaccine, which could be available soon in Antigua and Barbuda. The health minister expressed his shock and noted, "Can you imagine that?" In addition to this, China is also working to develop such technology to give the human body the ability to fight cancer. Molwyn explained that according to scientists, this technology is just two years away from maturing and Antiguans and Barbudans will have the chance to be the first in line to be available to this cancer-fighting technology, which will later be shared with the rest of the Caribbean.