According to the Public Health Department of Yangon Region, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be administered to students aged 9 to 12.
The Chief Minister of Yangon Region stated during the Yangon Region Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Ceremony for girls aged 9 to 12, held on 18 September, that the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV) aims to prevent and control the spread of cervical cancer. It is given to girls aged 9 to 12 before they are exposed to the virus to prevent cervical cancer development.
According to HPV data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2023, the most common age group for cervical cancer in Myanmar is 15 to 44 years old. Therefore, all girls aged 9 to 12, both in school and out of school, will receive the vaccination.
The vaccination will be carried out in two phases: school-based vaccination in September and community-based vaccination in October, as there were no vaccinations conducted for three years from 2021 to 2023.
The vaccine can prevent up to 95 per cent of cervical cancer spread and also prevent the occurrence of rectal and genital warts.
The Public Health Department and the Basic Education Department of Yangon Region will collaborate in conducting vaccination activities. — TWA/ CT
