Belize Cancer Society Pushes Back Against Roman Catholic Diocese HPV Position

Meanwhile, the Belize Cancer Society is pushing back against the recent statement issued by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan regarding the administration of the HPV vaccine on Catholic school compounds, saying the vaccine remains a critical and scientifically proven tool in the fight against cervical cancer.  In a press release issued this week, the Belize Cancer Society expressed what it described as “grave concern” over the Diocese’s recent position, noting that it appears to differ from a collaborative agreement reached between the Church, the Ministry of Health, and the Society back in 2016.

According to the Society, nationwide consultations and educational discussions were held ten years ago involving church leaders, school administrators, teachers, and parents regarding the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine. The organization stressed that cervical cancer continues to be one of the leading cancers affecting Belizean women despite being largely preventable through vaccination, screening, and early detection.  The Society also emphasized that the HPV vaccine is widely used internationally and continues to be supported by global medical and public health organizations as a safe and effective means of preventing several HPV-related cancers.  In its statement, the Belize Cancer Society said Belizean families deserve access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions regarding vaccination and public health.  The release closes by reaffirming the Society’s commitment to working collaboratively with healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders, parents, and community organizations to advance cervical cancer prevention efforts across Belize.