Minahasa, 9 August 2023 – Cervical cancer is the second highest cause of death and one of the biggest health financing burdens in Indonesia. In 2021 (Globocan data), there are 36,633 cases of cervical cancer in Indonesia with an increasing death rate. The causes vary, but most are caused by Human Papillomavirus or HPV infection, which is around 95%. Despite having a high risk of death, cervical cancer can be prevented. One of the important prevention efforts is the administration of HPV immunization.
The Government of Indonesia is committed to preventing morbidity, mortality and disability caused by immunization-preventable diseases in order to achieve the 2030 SDGs. The government is committed to building a stronger and more innovative system which is a priority for the Ministry of Health in improving health services in the country, by strengthen and expand health services to focus more on preventive promotive efforts, one of which is by introducing new types of vaccines added to the national immunization program, including the HPV vaccine.
Today, the Minister of Health announced the expansion of HPV immunization nationally in Tondano, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province which was attended by the Governor of North Sulawesi Province and all levels of the North Sulawesi Provincial Government, Chair of Commission IX DPR RI, Deputy Minister of BUMN, Regent of Minahasa and all the ranks of the Minahasa Regency local government, representatives of international health development partners namely WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, GAVI and CHAI as well as the community in Tondano, Minahasa. The activity was then continued with a visit to the implementation of HPV immunization at the launch site.
The first dose of HPV immunization is given to girls in 5th grade of elementary schools (or 11 years old for children who are not in school) and then the second dose is given to girls in 6th grade of elementary schools (or 12 years old). The provision of this immunization for children who go to school is carried out through the activities of the School Children Immunization Month or BIAS. To accelerate the reduction of morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer, at least 90% of HPV immunization is required. For this reason, support from all policy makers, across related sectors and all components of society is very important for this program to be successful.
In 2022, a Joint Decree of 4 (four) Ministers was issued, namely the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology; Minister of Health; Minister of Religion, and Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia regarding the Implementation of Improving the Health Status of Students where Elementary Schools/Madrasah Ibtidaiyah/other forms of the equivalent need to ensure the complete immunization status of each student, including HPV immunization. Thus, the role of local government and the education sector is very important for the successful implementation of HPV immunization integrated with BIAS as one of the School Health Efforts (UKS).
The role of the government alone is not enough. Collaboration with health professionals, civil society organizations, the private sector and health development partners can support the acceleration of health transformation in order to achieve high and equitable immunization coverage so as to further strengthen the national immunization program.
According to Maniza Zaman, UNICEF Representative in Indonesia, “UNICEF is committed to supporting the Indonesian Government's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in women by 2030. Providing free access to the HPV vaccine for elementary school-aged girls is very important for this effort. The expansion of the national scale of HPV immunization in Indonesia marks a significant step towards protecting millions of girls from cervical cancer.”
WHO Indonesia applauded Indonesia's effort to introduce HPV vaccination nationwide, as even today, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and the second among women in Indonesia. Globally, ninety percent of the cases happened in low- and middle-income countries such as Indonesia. “HPV vaccination, in combination with screening and early treatment, will be the cost-effective way of cancer prevention. WHO urged all countries to introduce HPV vaccines and ensure it reaches 90% of all girls by age 15 by 2030.” said Dr N. Paranietharan, the WHO Representative to Indonesia.
Managing Director, Policy, Programme Design & Delivery Support Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Kelechi Ohiri, is optimistic about supporting Indonesia in planning to expand this HPV immunization. “Today is an important day in our joint fight to eliminate cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is very effective in protecting teenage girls from this deadly but preventable disease. Gavi is proud to be working with the Ministry of Health and other partners to expand access to this powerful and life-saving vaccine that will protect generations of women and girls across Indonesia for years to come,” said Ohiri.
Together, we can create Indonesian children who are healthy, tough, smart and strong and achieve cervical cancer elimination by 2030.
This news was broadcasted by the Bureau of Communication and Community Services, Indonesia Ministry of Health. For further information, you can contact the hotline number 1500-567, SMS 081281562620, facsimile (021) 5223002, 52921669, and email address kontak@kemkes.go.id.