About 2,000 women and girls in hinterland, Indigenous and under-resourced communities received cancer screening and HPV education through a project funded by the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI).

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) presented GGI with a special recognition award at its Pinktober Brunch 2026 at the Royal Hotel in Georgetown on Sunday, held in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The project, "Empowering Communities: HPV Education and Screening for Indigenous and Under-Resourced Populations in Guyana," enabled GRPA to take HPV education and screening beyond clinics and into communities across Regions One, Four, Seven, Eight and Nine, where access to healthcare can be limited.

GGI Lead Alicia Bess-Anderson, who accepted the award, said it reflected the value of partnerships that bring essential health services closer to communities.

"We believe that development matters most when it reaches people where they are, especially those who face barriers to opportunity, healthcare, and wellbeing. That conviction is what makes our partnership collaboration with the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association so important," she said.

"Together, we have brought cancer screening closer to communities across the country, reaching women and girls in rural and hinterland communities and regions who might otherwise have had limited access to these critical services," she added.

GRPA Executive Director Kobe Smith said the investment shows the role private sector partnerships can play in strengthening community healthcare.

"We're super grateful to the Greater Guyana Initiative, which is an undertaking of the Stabroek Block co-venturers…because, over the past 12 months, GRPA was able to deliver 2,000 cancer screening services in 200 communities. We hope that other private sector entities will use that as impetus and motivation to expand more access to care," he said.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said partnerships are key to expanding access to healthcare.

"That's where organizations such as GRPA have been helping us to fill that gap. And with the financing from the Greater Guyana Initiative, they have been able to go to places where we have had some challenges, but when we combine our efforts, we can meet many more people," he said.

The event brought together cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, advocates, government representatives, corporate sponsors and development stakeholders.