Protecting your child from the human papilloma virus (HPV) now actually guards them in the long run.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
Men and women can carry it.
HPV sometimes plays a role in other cancers as well, including cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and throat.
It is advisable to be protected against this through the HPV vaccines - Gardasil and Cervarix.
Both are safe for children.
And Gardasil is available in Papua New Guinea.
The Pacific International Hospital was the first to introduce this vaccine.
Now, the National Department of Health has started vaccinating girls in schools in Port Moresby – a step taken to prevent them from contracting cervical cancer in the future.
Gardasil protects against four HPV types (6, 11, 16, and 18) and is approved by the FDA for use by females aged 9-26 to help prevent cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva; genital warts and anal cancer.
Gynaecologist specialist, Dr Mathias Sapuri, is encouraging all young women to get vaccinated.
“It prevents young girls and women, in the subsequent stages in life, to develop cervical cancer,” he said.
As per the international guidelines - you get three doses, the second dose is after two months of the first, and third dose after six months of the first dose.
While the age group is 26, Dr Sapuri said those beyond 26 can also be vaccinated.
“The global data shows that yes you can be prevented if you get the vaccine even when you’re above the age of 26.
“Public health programs however, are targeted at the younger population, basically because the younger you get vaccinated against HPV, you lower your risk of getting cervical cancer,” he added.
Dr Sapuri also took time to emphasise on breast cancer, encouraging women to do self-examination.
He further urged that the population, especially women, make use of the different modalities available in the country through hospitals like PIH.
(Loop file pic)