Cervical cancer: A top killer for women and girls in Solomon Islands

By Lachlan Eddie

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women and girls in Solomon Islands.

Guadalcanal Provincial Health Director Dr. Rayboy Seleso announced during the launching of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine roll out campaign at Nguvia, North Guadalcanal earlier this week.

“In our data source, cervical cancer is one of the top leading causes of death among women in Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal Province,” he said.

Despite the deadly status of the disease, Dr. Seleso said the newly launched HPV vaccine has been proven to prevent HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer, which has taken the lives of many mothers, sisters and daughters within communities.

He urged teachers, guardians and parents to bring daughters aged 9-14 for vaccination to reduce mortality rates and protect their future dignity.

“Women bridge the culture of Guadalcanal, therefore they must be protected from HPV,” Dr. Seleso said.

Meanwhile vaccination roll out for Guadalcanal province will begin in zones one and six on 26 July 2025.

The roll out schedule will be communicated to schools and communities in the coming days so that parents, guardians and even teachers can prepare girls, daughters for vaccination.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. 

It occurs when cells in the cervix begin to grow out of control, potentially spreading to other parts of the body.

Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain types of HPV.

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