National HPV vaccination launched

National Capital District will undergo the first rollout of Human Papillomavirus vaccination (Image: Supplied)

A new national Human Papillomavirus [HPV] vaccination program has been officially launched in Port Moresby as part of efforts to protect children, especially girls aged 9 to 14 years, from cervical cancer.

Health Secretary Pascoe Kase announced that the rollout will begin in the National Capital District before expanding to other provinces across the country.

The program is a partnership between the National Department of Health and the Department of Education. It is supported by GAVI, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the governments of PNG and Australia.

According to Kase, the vaccine has already been administered to more than 1 billion people in over 150 countries and is proven to be safe and effective.

“We want to reach every child, in school and out of school, who have not had the opportunity to be protected. Schools, teachers, health workers and communities all have a role to play in making this program a success,” he said.

Community health teams will be deployed to each location to educate parents and provide information on how the vaccine works. Parents are being encouraged to ask questions and support their children to get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the NCD Provincial Health Authority is leading the first phase of the national program.

The vaccination campaign is part of efforts by health department to protect girls from ages 9-14 from cervical cancer *(Image: NBC News)*

NCD PHA chief executive officer Dr. Robin Oge said vaccination activities will start in Port Moresby before moving into schools across the district.

Dr. Oge acknowledged the support of the National Department of Health, Department of Education, GAVI and WHO.

He also cited recent health data showing that around 1,300 women die from cervical cancer in PNG each year, and said vaccination is the most effective way to prevent future deaths.

He said NCD PHA teams will go into schools and communities to deliver the vaccine and provide awareness to parents. The authority is targeting 80% coverage in NCD.

“This vaccine is about protecting our daughters, our sisters, for the future. We are calling on parents, teachers and communities to support this program and allow our children to be vaccinated.”

Dr. Oge called on parents, teachers and communities to support the program to ensure no child is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.

The rollout is expected to continue in other centers following today’s launch in NCD.