The Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care, and Addiction Management, drs. Melvin Wyatt-Ras, recently received Fundacion ABO (Aruba Bevolkingsonderzoek) for their first formal meeting at the Bestuurskantoor.
The meeting was part of the ongoing dialogue regarding the strengthening of preventive care, national cancer screening, and early detection in Aruba. During the visit, Fundacion ABO presented its 2025 annual report and provided an update on its transition from the national breast cancer screening program (BOB) to a broader, more structured organization responsible for three national cancer screening programs: BOB for breast cancer, BOCA for cervical cancer, and CORESA for colorectal cancer.
During the conversation, they discussed the progress of Fundacion ABO and its role in the development of cancer screening in Aruba. The foundation also confirmed its official registration as a healthcare provider under the National Healthcare Quality Ordinance (Landsverordening kwaliteit in de gezondheidszorg – LKIG) in February 2026, as part of its commitment to quality in preventive care.
An important point of discussion was the importance of effective and secure data exchange. Access to follow-up information related to diagnosis and results can help Fundacion ABO better monitor the effectiveness of its screening programs, measure early detection, and guide future improvements based on reliable and valid data.
The Minister and Fundacion ABO also discussed ongoing cooperation with key partners in the healthcare sector, including DVG, HOH, LabHOH, HAVA, and AZV. Cooperation among the various stakeholders is essential to strengthen the entire screening pathway, from invitation and participation to follow-up and early diagnosis.
The Ministry appreciates this constructive exchange and considers cooperation between Fundacion ABO, the Ministry, and other healthcare partners essential to continue strengthening cancer screening and early detection in Aruba, with a focus on quality, accessibility, and a safe care pathway.
