Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 22 – 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. In Cambodia, it 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. 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 per cent effective in decreasing HPV infection and preventing cervical cancer.

From 2017 to 2018 the Cambodian Ministry of Health 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 per cent 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 immunization programme.

Driven by a model of building sustainable immunization programmes, Gavi is supporting the HPV vaccination by co-financing the cost of the vaccines, injection supplies, and operational logistics alongside the Government. The vaccine and injection supplies are WHO-prequalified and procured through UNICEF. WHO, UNICEF, CHAI, and Gavi commit to continue supporting the implementation of HPV vaccination as part of the National Immunization Programme and Government strategy towards eliminating cervical cancer in Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS