HUNDREDS JOIN 14TH GLOBEATHON TO END WOMEN’S CANCER IN PNG

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

EVERY year, Papua New Guinea loses 1,500 mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunties to cervical cancer. It is the most common cancer and the top cause of cancer death for women in the country.

Yesterday, hundreds of people met at the PIH Medical Centre (PIHMC) in Waigani Central, Port Moresby, for the 14th Annual Globeathon Walk, united under the theme “Walk with Us to End Cancer.”

Participants marched a high-visibility route along Waigani Drive, walking all the way to the 4 Mile Roundabout before returning to Waigani Central.

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist PIH and Chairman of the National Health Boards Dr. Mathias Sapuri said that the global movement unites people every year to keep this movement alive and to build strong cancer awareness both locally and globally.

He noted that the walk serves as a vital way to honor the memories of the women, girls, mothers, sisters, and aunties who have lost their lives to these conditions.

Dr Sapuri said 1,500 women die every year to cervical cancer and todays walk is a remembrance to those who lost their live but more importantly it sends a message, cervical cancer is preventable.

He said cervical cancer is caused by a common virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which now has a vaccine. Dr Sapuri strongly encouraged young girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 years old to get the HPV vaccine.

“When women get this vaccine and go for regular hospital check-ups, cervical cancer can be completely stopped” he added.
The 14th Annual Globeathon Walk was not just about fitness. It showed that the community is standing together.

The main message from Waigani Central today is for everyone. By helping family members get vaccinated, encouraging regular health checks, and speaking openly, citizens can protect future generations and build healthier communities across Papua New Guinea.