- Antigua signs MOU with China Hospital for cancer vaccine
According to Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, Antigua and Barbuda could become the first Caribbean countries to offer a cancer preventive vaccination after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a Chinese hospital last week.
When Molwyn returned to the country on Monday evening as a member of the group of Antigua and Barbuda led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, he informed media that the vaccine might be available in two years.
“What excited me in China was the opportunity to learn more of what is already there in terms of science and technology in dealing with so many of the diseases that are taking the lives of Antiguans and Barbudans, such as diabetes,” he said in a press release.
“I was blown away when we visited a hospital, and we were able to see a piece of equipment that not only diagnosed the patient at the end stage of the disease, but it was also equipment that could forecast the disease.”
He described China’s approach to health care as highly illuminating, adding that “they have the equipment that gives them that capacity, not only for diabetes but also for cancer screening.”
“We were totally exposed to a new technology that makes dealing with cancer similar to dealing with a vaccine. They say they’re developing a cancer-prevention vaccine.
“Can you imagine that?” Not only that, but they are developing technology to give your body the ability to fight cancer, which, according to the scientists, is about two years away from maturing, and we here in Antigua and Barbuda will have the opportunity to be first in line for that technology, which will be shared with the rest of the Caribbean’, he added.
