PHNOM PENH: In Cambodia, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and is the third deadliest cancer among women of all ages, with an estimated 1,135 new cases and 643 deaths every year. This week, the Ministry of Health announced that the one-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be included in the national immunisation schedule for nine-year-old girls in an effort to reduce the rates of cervical cancer in women.

A joint press release issued on Oct. 5 stated that the MoH in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) and local administrations, together with support from the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), will offer HPV vaccines free of charge to all nine-year-old girls nationwide through regular school and community vaccination outreach sessions and year-round services at health centres.

Often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ and almost entirely preventable, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, with the majority of cases occurring in lower- and middle-income countries.

The HPV vaccine protects women from cervical cancer by preventing infection with the human papillomavirus. Recent evidence from WHO shows that one-dose HPV vaccines are 80-90% effective in decreasing HPV infection and preventing cervical cancer.

From 2017 to 2018, MoH conducted a successful HPV vaccine demonstration project for nine-year-old girls across 10 districts in two provinces, Siem Reap and Svay Rieng. The project achieved 96% coverage, demonstrating high acceptance in the communities and the country’s ability and readiness to implement the vaccine nationwide.

Now, Cambodia joins 136 countries around the world in introducing the HPV vaccine into the national immunisation programme.

During the national launch event for the introduction of the HPV vaccine, Minister of Health Chheang Ra encouraged all health staff and partners to work together for the protection of all girls in the country.

“Cervical cancer is a public health priority in Cambodia,” he said. “We are accelerating our joint efforts to eliminate this deadly disease by introducing the HPV vaccine into the Cambodian National Immunisation Programme. We will ensure all nine-year-old girls can receive one dose of the HPV vaccine free of charge starting from today and plan to provide HPV vaccines to girls above nine years old through a campaign in 2025.”

Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia, emphasized the importance of equity in the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Cambodia and the importance of quality sexual and reproductive health services for girls as part of primary health care.

“Ensuring all eligible girls, especially those living in high risk, urban poor, remote and rural communities, and ethnic and migrant populations, have access to the HPV vaccine and other essential services for their sexual and reproductive health is critical for safeguarding the well-being of every girl in Cambodia,” he said. “UNICEF is committed to supporting the Government's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer and improve health for all.”

Dr. Pascal Ringwald, WHO Acting Representative in Cambodia, said,“The vaccine is safe and the most effective preventive measure available against cervical cancer. Achieving more than 80 %coverage of one-dose HPV vaccines will benefit more people, families, and communities in decades to come.”

According to the Center for Disease Control, the protection provided by HPV vaccines lasts a long time. People who received them were followed for at least about 12 years and their protection against HPV has remained high with no evidence of decreasing over time.

^{SOURCE: AKP}