DILI, 03 june 2024 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health, supported by UNICEF and WHO, will launch a ground-breaking Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in Timor-Leste.
This initiative aims to protect the health and future of thousands of girls across Timor-Leste by safeguarding them against cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected early and treated adequately. And yet, it is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death among women globally as well as in Timor-Leste.
It is estimated that in Timor-Leste, annually 10 cases of cervical cancer occur for 100,000 women and 6 women die per 100,000 women due to cervical cancer. This also indicates that around 60% of diagnosed cases are advanced cases.
Health Authorities said that more than 55,000 girls across the country will be vaccinated against cervical cancer.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign will be launched in Ermera municipality on 22 july.
“The vaccine will be administered to girls between the ages of 11 and 14 in schools, as well as to girls who don’t have the opportunity to go to school,” Emília de Jesus, Director of Education and Health Promotion, told reporters.
Emília urged all parents to allow their children to receive the vaccine, as it would help them in the fight against cervical cancer: “HPV vaccine is safe and effective at preventing HPV-related infections and cancers.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
