Home testing and vaccine catch-up plan launched as uptake falls after pandemic

PLANS to boost cervical cancer prevention across Wales have been set out by ministers, amid concerns that HPV vaccination rates have fallen since the pandemic.

In a written statement issued on Wednesday (Mar 25), Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said urgent work is underway to improve uptake of both vaccination and screening, which are key to preventing the disease.

The Welsh Government confirmed that before COVID-19, HPV vaccine uptake was close to the World Health Organisation’s 90% target — but levels have since dropped.

Health board vaccination teams have delivered more than 1,400 additional HPV vaccinations during 2025 as part of targeted efforts, particularly focusing on schools where uptake is lowest. Further catch-up programmes are planned over the next 12 months.

Public Health Wales has also launched surveys aimed at understanding why some young people and parents are not attending vaccination appointments, alongside a wider communications campaign highlighting the benefits of the vaccine.

Cervical screening, which detects high-risk strains of HPV, remains a key part of prevention efforts. However, participation varies across different groups.

A new initiative will see at-home cervical screening kits introduced later this year, aimed at women who rarely or never attend appointments. The move is designed to remove barriers to screening and improve access.

Latest figures show a gradual decline in cervical cancer cases and deaths in Wales. The number of cases has fallen from an average of 164 per year in the early 2000s to 149 in recent years, while annual deaths have dropped from 61 to 54.

Despite this progress, ministers say more must be done to improve early detection and treatment.

Cervical cancer is currently grouped within wider gynaecological cancers for NHS treatment targets, but plans are in place to report more detailed data by April 2027 to better track treatment times.

Jeremy Miles urged those eligible to take up both vaccination and screening offers, adding that improving access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment would be key to reducing cancer rates further in the years ahead.

New support service confirmed for young people, but exact site yet to be revealed

A NEW youth hub is set to open in Pembrokeshire as part of a major UK Government rollout aimed at helping young people into work — but officials have not yet confirmed where it will be based.

The hub is one of 12 new sites announced across Wales, designed to support 16 to 24-year-olds with access to jobs, training, mental health services and housing advice under one roof.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the hubs will bring together Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, employers and training providers to help young people who are not currently in education, employment or training.

However, while Pembrokeshire has been named as a location, no further detail has been provided on which town or building will host the service.

The Herald understands that such hubs are often based in or alongside existing Jobcentre Plus offices or council-run facilities, but at this stage no confirmation has been given for Pembrokeshire.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Today marks a major boost for young people across Wales.

“We are delivering support in every region, connecting young people with employers and meeting them where they are so they can take the first step into work.”

The announcement also includes plans to hand more control over employment support funding to the Welsh Government, with £20 million already allocated to pilot schemes aimed at tackling economic inactivity.

Minister for Skills Jack Sargeant said the move would allow programmes to be tailored to local communities.

“Decisions about getting people back into work are made by those who know their communities best,” he said.

The new hubs form part of a wider UK-wide plan to ensure every area has access to a Youth Hub, amid concerns about rising numbers of young people not in work or education.

Further details, including the exact location of the Pembrokeshire hub and when it will open, are expected to be announced at a later date.

SCHOOLS in Carmarthenshire have been recognised for improving careers education as a national rollout of a new award scheme moves a step closer.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), which has been piloted since September 2023, has involved 66 schools and education settings across Wales. These include primary and secondary schools, special schools, pupil referral units and EOTAS provisions.

Among those taking part are Ysgol Glan-y-Mor, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie and Burry Port Community Primary School.

Early feedback from the pilot suggests schools have strengthened leadership and planning around careers education, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased pupils’ involvement in shaping their own learning. Teachers have also reported greater confidence in delivering careers-related lessons.

The scheme focuses on careers and work-related experiences for learners aged three to 16, aligned with the Curriculum for Wales.

Registration has now opened for schools across Wales to join the programme from September 2026.

The award is split into three stages — leadership, development and impact — designed to help schools build a structured approach to careers education and demonstrate its impact on pupils.

A national rollout will also introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, aimed at recognising progress while allowing flexibility for different schools.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said the pilot had helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch.

He said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences play an essential role in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“We’re encouraged by the positive impact we’re already seeing and look forward to welcoming more schools to take part.”