Launch of the HPV Vaccination Campaign – Maldives Independent

A national immunization program to prevent cervical cancer was launched Thursday, in line with the new administration's 100-day action plan.

The HPV vaccine will be given to girls aged 10 to 14 in schools and health centers, according to the Health Protection Agency. The vaccine is given in two doses at six months intervals, inside the arm.

The vaccine was administered to three students from the Thajuddeen School in Male at a national campaign inauguration ceremony. Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Yumna Maumoon, the main guest of the ceremony, presented certificates to the girls.

Once the two-month campaign is over, girls will receive the vaccine at the age of 10 and it will be included in the national vaccination schedule, the HPA said.

The human papillomavirus causes different types of cancer, including cancers of the cervix and the mouth. The HPV vaccine provides protection and helps to develop immunity before exposure to the virus.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. Introduced in 2006, the HPV vaccine has been administered to more than 80 million girls in 84 countries.

According to the HPA, 84% of deaths in the Maldives are caused by noncommunicable diseases.

Of the 1,300 deaths in 2016, 36% were due to cardiovascular diseases, 17% to cancers and 9% to chronic respiratory diseases.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr. Ibrahim Zakariyya Moosa emphasized that public health measures such as vaccination are encouraged in Islam.

In the 2019 state budget, some 21 million VCRs (1.3 million US dollars) were allocated to 30 different health campaigns.

In December, the new government increased funding for awareness programs on harmful products such as cigarettes, energy drinks and sugary drinks.

At the same time, the Minister of Health, Abdulla Ameen, on Thursday launched a national diabetes program on the island of Kaafu Thulusdhoo.

According to the Ministry of Health, a one-stop center is being developed at the capital's Dharumavantha hospital to "connect centrally to all health facilities to enable the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes." .