PAHO/WHO and Partners Launch Breast Imaging Seminar in The Bahamas to Combat High Breast Cancer Burden

Nassau, The Bahamas - May 2025

The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), through its Bahamas Country Office, officially launched the Breast Imaging Training Seminar on May 14, 2025, at the Public Hospitals Authority Corporate Centre in Nassau. The five-day seminar is being implemented in partnership with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), with funding provided under the Universal Health Coverage Partnership (UHC-P) and support from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Opening remarks were delivered by:

1. Dr. Toma Omofoye, Associate Professor, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
2. Dr. Jillian Bartlett, Senior Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness
3. Dr. Keva Thompson, Acting Managing Director, Public Hospitals Authority
4. Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands

The seminar was a strategic initiative aimed at building national capacity in breast imaging, with a focus on earlier and more accurate diagnosis to reduce breast cancer morbidity and mortality. The Bahamas continues to experience a disproportionately high burden of breast cancer, with elevated rates of early onset and late-stage diagnoses. This training responded to a critical need to improve detection through quality mammography and strengthened diagnostic protocols.

The training incorporated both didactic and practical sessions for over 50 healthcare professionals from across the public and private sectors, including radiologists, mammographers, and other healthcare personnel.

This collaboration underscored the importance of sustained international partnerships in addressing priority health challenges in the Caribbean. Speaking at the opening, Dr. Boisson emphasized, “This seminar is more than a training—it is a statement of commitment. Together, we are investing in the competencies of our frontline providers so that Bahamian women can benefit from earlier detection, better outcomes, and longer, healthier lives.”

The Breast Imaging Training Seminar ran through May 18 and was expected to significantly strengthen the delivery of breast cancer screening and diagnostic services nationwide.