Massive HPV vaccination campaign to start on October 16

A Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign will commence in Guyana on October 16th, 2017 targeting a total of 36,000 girls between the ages of nine and thirteen.

The Campaign is being spearheaded by the Government of Guyana with support from the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the Global Alliance for Vaccine.

During an engagement with the media on Tuesday, PAHO/WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health led discussions on the campaign, which will run for the next four years. Officials also offered clarifications, in an effort to debunk several myths about the HPV vaccine.

The panel of Doctors rejected assertions that the vaccine makes girls more promiscuous and infertile. Some side effects include fever, mild swelling and complaints of a mild headache or allergic reactions.

The government, through the Public Health Ministry, intends to visit schools, partner with private pediatricians and engaged in several outreaches to ensure that the vaccine is available throughout the 10 regions in Guyana.

The main purpose of the HPV is to aid in the prevention of cervical cancer but it also protects against genital warts. The aim of the campaign is to achieve 95% and above coverage among women and it is hoped that this level of protection will extend to the male population.

Data from WHO says that at least 80% of sexually active adults have a strain of HPV which in turn leads to cervical cancer, which is currently the second most common cancer among women in Guyana.

Using the HPV vaccine is so far the most proven effective way to protect against cervical cancer. While it is mandatory in some countries, taking the vaccine is voluntary here in Guyana. As such there is expected to a communication campaign that will run simultaneously to ensure buy in from parents.

The Ministry and PAHO/WHO also intend to target vulnerable groups, including HIV infected persons and Men who have sex with men (MSMs).

PAHO/WHO also believes that it is the most cost effective way to fight Cervical Cancer. The last campaign of this nature was held in Guyana between the period 2012 – 2014.

PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr. William Adu-Krow said women must be made aware that the main purpose of the HPV vaccine is the prevention of cervical cancer which is one of the leading problems of women in our society.