DILI, 15 march 2023 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health has planned to introduce human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to fight cervical cancer among Timorese women.
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix – the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancers.
The most important thing to help prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated against HPV, get regular screening tests, and see a doctor if the results of the screening tests are not normal.
“The introduction of HPV vaccines is crucial to support Timorese women in fighting the papillomavirus,” said the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Odete da Silva Viegas.
“We have just recently concluded the National Integrated Routine Immunization Campaign, so sooner or later we will launch HPV vaccines,” Viegas said.
She said that cervical cancer cases continue to increase in the country, saying, therefore, preventive measures are necessary to prevent this type of cancer.
The only effective way to prevent HPV transmission is abstinence from any sexual contact, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
“I would like to urge Timorese women, especially mothers, to practice the preventive measures to prevent cervical cancer,” Viegas said.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
