Majuro, MH — The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS), in partnership with Women United Together in the Marshall Islands (WUTMI), Youth to Youth in Health (YTYIH), and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Kirby Institute, marked a milestone in women’s health with the signing of a new three-year partnership agreement focused on strengthening cervical cancer prevention and screening across the Marshall Islands.
The virtual signing ceremony brought together key leaders and partners including Honorable Ota Kisino, Minister of Health and Human Services; Professor Anthony Kelleher, Director of UNSW Kirby Institute; and Ms. Vanessa Price, Head of Kirby Institute, alongside national stakeholders and public health teams. While Youth to Youth in Health expressed their regrets due to prior commitments, their Executive Director Ms. Cathner Abner reaffirmed YTYIH’s commitment to serve as the main community hub for cervical cancer screenings in Majuro through their facilities.
This partnership marks a new chapter for the Ministry as it embraces a multisectoral approach, with MoHHS serving as the key technical lead, working hand in hand with community organizations and academic partners. The collaboration recognizes WUTMI’s continued leadership under President Brenda Alik and Executive Director Danyia Note, and builds upon years of groundwork, advocacy, and community-driven efforts to bring cervical cancer to the forefront of women’s health priorities.
Together, these partners have set an ambitious national goal — **to screen at least 70% of all eligible women across the Republic of the Marshall Islands** — ensuring that every woman, regardless of where she lives, has access to life-saving cervical cancer screening and follow-up care.
Minister Kisino, in his keynote remarks, emphasized unity and purpose: “We stand stronger together. This partnership is a reflection of our collective commitment — government, women’s groups, youth, and academia — to ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.”
The event also highlighted the importance of integrated action to end the long-standing challenges surrounding women’s health and cervical cancer. It signifies a historic moment — transitioning from working in silos to a unified, coordinated effort rooted in shared responsibility and vision for a healthier Marshall Islands.
For more information, please contact
//END//
