Health & Partners launches the National HPV Catchup Campaign

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) together with its Health Partners; Global Alliance on Vaccination (GAVI), World Health Organization, UNICEF, DFAT, PATH and the National Center for Immunization Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) today launched the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) catch up campaign at the Nguvia Primary School, Guadalcanal Province.

Delivering his remarks at the launching, Health Minister Honourable Dr Paul Bosawai said it is an honour to address the nation on the HPV vaccine roll out in Solomon Islands. “I stand before you today with a profound sense of optimism as we embark on a journey that holds immense promise for the health and well-being of our young girls and our young daughters. The Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a global health concern that is responsible for approximately 95% of cervical cases worldwide. In Solomon Islands, the impact of the Human Papillomavirus is increasingly concerning”.

Health Minister Dr Paul Bosawai delivering his remarks.

“Cervical cancer ranks as the top most frequent cancer among Solomon Islands women, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 44, followed by breast cancer. In 2018, 44 of our women have harboured to the cervical cancer infection and 38 of our women to breast cancer. These are not just numbers; these are our mothers, our aunties, our sisters, our nieces and our daughters, our work colleagues and our friends.

“But I am pleased to announce that Solomon Islands, through the Ministry of Health, is taking a decisive step for the commencement of the HPV vaccine rollout which immediately starts today. I am indeed grateful that today, some of our young girls between the ages of 9 years and 14 years in Nguvia School, will benefit from HPV campaign programme, receiving a single dose of HPV vaccine”, said Dr Bosawai.

He further stated upon receiving their vaccines today, many more girls will receive theirs tomorrow and onwards, these young girls will be protected from the Human Papilloma Virus later in life and therefore reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they become adult women.

He highlighted, today is a momentous occasion that underlines our commitment to the health and well-being of our nation’s women.

He emphasized that today was a beginning of a renewed commitment and a call to all all stakeholders – healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, parents, churches and community leaders – to join hands with us in this noble endeavour. “Together, we can ensure that every eligible girl, between the ages of 9-14, receives the HPV vaccine, and we can create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a pervasive threat to our women. Any woman can be infected with HPV and any woman can develop cervical cancer. Therefore, all girls 9 to 14 years need to be vaccinated and all women need to undergo cervical screening by age 30 and onwards in order for us not to lose too many women and mothers to cervical cancer in the future”.

Health Minister further pledged and encouraged parents and guardians that if they know of any girl or their daughter is aged 9 years to 14 years old and has not received their HPV vaccine, to support and encouraged their daughters to receive their HPV vaccine at their schools, or at the nearest clinic or when health workers undertake their outreach to communities.

However, Dr Bosawai said apart from HPV catch outreach – measles and polio cases continue to present in our region. Thus, he stated nurses will also bring other routine vaccines including vaccines against measles and polio. He encouraged parents to check the baby books of their children, and if they missed a schedule vaccine, please present them to nurses coming around for outreach or take your child to the nearest clinic on the next child welfare day.

“I want to assure you that the National Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) together with our development partners is fully committed to providing the necessary resources, guidance, and technical expertise to facilitate the successful rollout of the HPV vaccine.

“The Ministry of Health will be working hand in hand with our Partners and stakeholders, drawing on their invaluable knowledge and expertise to ensure that no girl in Solomon Islands, in our Provinces and in our communities is left behind”, said Dr Bosawai.

To conclude, he then thanked health partners for technical expertise, knowledge and skills transfer to enhance local capacity in the country and the financial support towards the HPV vaccine campaign.

“My sincere appreciation to our partners who are giving us the opportunity for all our children and our girls 9-14 years to receive the HPV vaccine that is safe, free and effective. On this note, I would like to specifically convey my sincerest acknowledgement to our very own, my colleague and my brother, Dr Divinal Ogaoga, the country’s finest technical expert on vaccination and immunization and a well renowned paediatrician in the country, who started this journey over so many years, for his unwavering dedication and commitment, and tireless work that has gone into making today a reality. Thank you so very much Dr Divi.

“The introduction of the HPV vaccine into our routine immunization schedule is a giant leap towards a healthier and brighter future for our nation. Let us stand united in our mission to protect our women from this silent but deadly adversary. Together, we can make a difference, save lives, and secure a healthier future for Solomon Islands”, said Dr Bosawai.

Meanwhile, all other health partners who delivered their remarks at the launch also shared similar sentiments and pledged their support towards the HPV catchup campaign in the country.

In group photo: Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. McNeil, Deputy Secretary Health Improvement Dr Bainivalu, GAVI rep, UNICEF representatives, and some of the main drivers behind the HPV campaign.

Minister Dr Paul Bosawai giving the first HPV vaccine jab to one of the first nine girls to receive their HPV vaccine during the launch.

Minister Dr Bosawai greeting some of the girls that will receive the HPV vaccine.

One of the girls received her HPV vaccine from a health worker.

Dreamcast Theater during a skit dramatized at the event.

Dreamcast Theater group dramatized HPV vaccine skit.

One of the school students taking part in a speech competition at the launch.

PS McNeil presenting the first prize to Nguvia Primary School student who received the first prize of the speech competition.

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