BSP donates $100k for machine to boost cervical cancer detection

Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) has donated $100,000 to the Fiji Cancer Society to purchase a GenXpert machine that will enable on-the-spot testing for cervical cancer.

The donation from BSP Bank and BSP Life will fully fund the machine, which allows for earlier diagnosis and more timely treatment for women at risk.

BSP public relations and communications specialist Salome Waqailiti said the donation supported the national ambition for the eradication of cervical cancer.

"Health underpins prosperity. When women are healthy, families are stronger, more resilient are our communities, and our collective futures are protected," Ms Waqailiti said.

Fiji Cancer Society chief executive officer Belinda Chan said the machine would strengthen early detection capacity and enable faster, more reliable diagnoses.

"This donation represents far more than equipment - it is an investment in systems that strengthen our capacity," Ms Chan said.

"It enhances early detection, enabling faster, more reliable diagnoses and ensuring that women are identified and treated earlier.

"This leads to better outcomes, reduced disease burden, and more lives saved."

The donation supports the World Health Organization's 2020 global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

The strategy requires 70 per cent of women aged 30-59 to be screened at least once with HPV DNA testing.

Ms Chan said the GenXpert machine would build local diagnostic capacity and support timely, evidence-based care.

"When women and families are protected from preventable diseases, they are empowered to contribute fully to education, work, and community life," she said.

Ms Chan thanked BSP for its steadfast support, noting the partnership began when the institution was known as Colonial Bank.