YOUNG GIRLS BETTER PROTECTED FROM CERVICAL CANCER
Human Papilloma Virus seen through a high-powered microscope. Photo credit: www.cmdrc.com
Young girls in Honiara City Council (HCC) and Isabel province are now better protected from cervical cancer, one of the biggest cancer killers of women in the country.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services attributes the milestone achievement to the successful introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine last year.
It says the HPV vaccine is being provided to girls aged nine to 12 years in Honiara and Isabel province in two doses, at least six months apart.
More than 4,800 girls were given their first dose last year, bringing the total HPV coverage for both HCC and Isabel province to 93.2 percent.
Meanwhile, the Ministry announce, the second dose is now available to girls aged nine to 12 years in Honiara and Isabel province until the end of May.
Director of the MHMS Maternal Child Health Department, Dr. Divinald Ogaoga says with parents’ hard work and cooperation, our daughters will be healthy and are able to start a family when they are older.