Girls and young women aged 10-17 will be protected against cervical cancer in an HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign running in Lao PDR schools between September 2023.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Lao PDR, and 99.7% of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV.
To address the issue, the Government of Lao PDR, with WHO and UNICEF support, launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in 2020. Progress has been significant, with more than 90% of 12-16-year-old women in Lao PDR having had at least one dose of the HPV vaccine.
“This campaign is a milestone in improving the health of girls and young women in Lao PDR”, said Dr Phonepaseuth Ounaphom, Director General of the Ministry of Health’s Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, at the launch event. “HPV vaccines prevent cervical cancer and I am proud to see how Lao parents, girls, and young women have embraced HPV vaccination in the past three years.”
“HPV vaccines are game changer for the lives of many Lao girls. The HPV vaccine is free for all eligible girls from 10-17 years old and is proven to protect them from potentially deadly cervical cancer”, said Souliya Channavong, WHO Lao PDR’s acting vaccine team leader.
“Girls from 10-17 years old need two doses to be fully vaccinated with HPV vaccines. These vaccines are safe and effective and can also be taken along with COVID-19 vaccines”, said Dr. Mohammed Yunus, Chief of Health in UNICEF Lao PDR.
The HPV vaccination will be delivered in schools and health centers across the country and will be offered to girls aged 10-17 years old, regardless of whether they are enrolled in school or not. The vaccines are funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Government of Lao PDR. WHO, UNICEF and partners are supporting the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Sports with administrating HPV vaccination.
Through HPV vaccination, the Government of Lao PDR is helping protect the next generation of adolescents and girls against cervical cancer.