MP Simon says Nation must go the extra mile in the prevention, treatment and eradication of cancer

MP Kelvin “Shugy” Simon made a sombre and fervent plea on World
Cancer Day, February 4, for local and international leaders to
prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and treatment and to do
more to eradicate this disease.

Simon, no stranger to the effects of this serious disease, lost his
mother to cancer in 2022.

In his message, he calls on everyone to honour and remember those
who were, and are, affected by this disease.

Simon says that everyone should stand together against cancer and
take action to change the future of this disease forever.

The MP is calling on the Government to put in place mechanisms
that strengthen information systems that can gather quality data for
better decision-making in treating cancer.

“Everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, age and
gender, should be afforded a chance at the prevention, diagnosis,
and treatment of cancer,” Simon says.

He believes that the Nation must go the extra mile to bring about a
cancer-free Antigua and Barbuda.

The theme for World Cancer Day 2024 was “Together, We Challenge
Those in Power.”

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and reports
say there is a high incidence of this condition in Antigua and
Barbuda.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph recently announced that China is
developing a cancer-prevention vaccine, and that this country could
be the first in the region to have access to it.

However, there has been significant pushback by residents, who say
they will not be used as human guinea pigs for another vaccine after
the COVID-19 mandate.

Meanwhile, the public continues to wait for information on the
Browne Administration’s recent sale of the OECS Cancer Centre,
which it acquired last year after services at the facility ceased.

No details on the buyers, the sale price, or future operations of what
was a public asset have been disclosed by the Government.