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Solomon Islands launches HPV vaccination campaign to protect girls 9-14 from cervical cancer, boosting public health efforts.
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), supported by development partners and donors, officially launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination Big Catch-up (BCU) campaign on 16 July. The campaign aims to protect girls against cervical cancer, the most common cancer affecting women in the Solomon Islands.
Held at Nguvia Secondary School, the event marked a significant step in the country’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer and improve women’s health outcomes. The campaign targets girls aged 9 to 14 years and forms a key part of the Ministry’s broader immunization and cancer prevention strategy.
The launch was attended by the Minister of Health and Medical Services, representatives from the Australian High Commission, British High Commission, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), PATH, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
In his remarks, the Minister said, “Today is a momentous occasion that underlines our commitment to the health and well-being of our nation’s women. With this introduction and commencement of our catch-up campaign, we aim to provide protection to the most vulnerable among us and strive to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.”
He added, “I call upon all stakeholders, health care professionals, civil societies, organizations, partners, church leaders, and private sectors across Solomon Islands to join hands with us in this effort. Together, we can ensure every eligible girl between 9 to 14 years receives the HPV vaccine, creating a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat.”
Before administering the first HPV vaccine, the Minister urged parents and guardians to support and encourage unvaccinated girls aged 9 to 14 to receive the vaccine at school, local clinics, or during community outreach over the coming weeks. “Please do not miss the opportunity when it comes. We do not wish to leave girls behind,” he said.
The HPV vaccine will be available in schools and health facilities nationwide, administered by trained health workers. MHMS and partners have developed a public awareness campaign to inform parents and communities about the vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, and benefits.
WHO Representative in Solomon Islands, Dr Howard Sobel, said, “HPV is one of the most common infections worldwide, often silent, but its consequences can be severe.”
Dr Sobel highlighted the vaccine’s safety, efficacy, and life-saving benefits. “This vaccine has been safely used in more than 125 countries, including Pacific neighbors. Millions of girls worldwide have received it with an excellent safety record. It is approved by WHO and is being introduced as part of the national routine immunization schedule, like measles and tetanus vaccines.”
The HPV vaccine introduction aligns with the Solomon Islands’ commitment to the WHO global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which aims for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated by age 15 by 2030. This target is part of a broader strategy including screening and treatment goals.
The campaign is a collaborative effort by MHMS, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, donor partners, and key stakeholders working to improve access to life-saving immunization services nationwide.
SOURCE: WHO PRESS RELEASE
