SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
In January 2022, Mr Durkan received assurances from Health Minister Minister Robin Swann that provision would be introduced by 2022/23 as part of the Cancer Recovery Plan ‘Building Back, Rebuilding Better.’
However, given the subsequent collapse of the Assembly it soon became apparent that there was no funding to deliver life-saving HPV screening.
The North of Ireland is the only jurisdiction across the UK and Republic of Ireland yet to adopt HPV screening as part of their Cervical Screening Programme.
Said the Foyle MLA: “To date cervical screening in Northern Ireland has used cytology, however given that the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99.7% of cervical cancers, HPV primary screening is considered the most accurate and sensitive way to determine which women are at high risk of developing cervical cancer.
“This simple diagnostic test has the power to prevent cancer developing. It’s life-saving. It’s a total disgrace that the North remains the only jurisdiction across these islands yet to adopt HPV screening.
“In January 2022 the department of health confirmed that the recruitment of staff was already underway within the health service to deliver HPV screening.
“Over the last year, I made countless queries to the Minister and Department of Health about its implementation, but it soon became apparent that funding was not in place to deliver this vitally important provision.
“There is no excuse. People here are paying the price of political puerility.
“It has taken years of fighting from campaigners, like Team Sorcha, to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening and to push for HPV screening.
“It is lamentable that progress which had been made is now hindered.
“From HPV screening to Dáithí’s Law, meaningful legislation which will improve lives and save lives, cannot be delivered.
“The continued siege of Stormont delivers nothing and punishes everyone.”
