DILI, 19 july 2024 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, with the support of partners, has launched the Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Campaign, to support women and girls in protecting them against cervical cancer.
The campaign would be carried out by the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) (UNICEF), and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).
Speaking at the event, Xanana Gusmão said that this initiative was ‘very important’, adding that the government was also investing in building houses for doctors in rural areas, in order to provide adequate health services for women and children.
Vice-Minister for Institutional Strengthening in Health, José dos Reis Magno said that the launch of the National HPV campaign was a significant milestone for Timor-Leste.
GAVI had made more than 41,000 doses of the HPV vaccine available to the Ministry of Health. In addition, the Australian government is going to support the country with around 39,000 doses of the vaccine to be administered to girls between the ages of 12 and 14.
Meanwhile, WHO Representative in Timor-Leste, Arvind Mathur said that WHO has been collaborating with the Ministry of Health to enhance women’s health and community diagnostics.
Mathur emphasized that the HPV vaccine can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers if administered early: “Cervical cancer is a growing concern for women in Timor-Leste, with an annual rate of 10 cases per 100,000 women and 6 deaths per 100,000. Alarmingly, around 60% of diagnosed cases are in advanced stages.”
“In our continued efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, a new facility for cervical cancer screening and management was launched at Tirilolo Hospital in Baucau last october. This facility offers VIA screening, colposcopy, and thermal ablation for early-stage cancers and precancerous lesions. Together, we can make a difference and create a healthier future for our women and girls!” Mathur added.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
