The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with the support of development partners and donors, officially launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination Big Catch-up (BCU) on 16 July, aimed at protecting girls against cervical cancer— the most common cancer affecting women in the Solomon Islands.
Held at Nguvia Secondary School, the event marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer and improve women’s health outcomes. The campaign targets girls aged 9 to 14 years and is a key component of the Ministry’s broader immunization and cancer prevention strategy.
The launch was graced by the Honourable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, Minister of Health and Medical Services, and attended by representatives from the Australian High Commission, the British High Commission, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), PATH, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
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Minister of Health and Medical Services, the Honourable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai (left) and WHO Representative in Solomon Islands, Dr Howard Sobel. Photo: WHO/R. Serrano
In his remarks, Minister Bosawai said, “Today is a momentous occasion that underlines our commitment to the health and well-being of our nation’s women. With this introduction and commencing of our catch-up campaign, we aim to provide protection to the most vulnerable among us and strive to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.”
He added: “I call upon all stakeholders, health care professionals, civil societies, organizations, and partners, church leaders, and also the private sectors across Solomon Islands to join hands with us in this noble endeavor. Together, we can ensure that every eligible girl between the ages of 9 to 14 receives the HPV vaccine, and we can create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat to our women.”
Before administering the first HPV vaccine, Dr Bosawai also exhorted parents and guardians to support and encourage unvaccinated girls ages 9 to 14 to receive the HPV vaccine at their school, nearest clinic, or during the next outreach to communities from this week and the coming fortnight. “Please do not miss the opportunity when the time comes. We do not wish to leave girls behind,” said Dr Bosawai.
The HPV vaccine will be made available in schools and health facilities nationwide, delivered by trained health workers. The MHMS, with support from partners, has also developed a strong public awareness campaign to ensure parents and communities are well-informed about the vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, and benefits.
Speaking at the launch, WHO Representative in Solomon Islands Dr Howard Sobel said, “HPV is one of the most common infections worldwide—affecting millions—often silently, but we all know its consequences can be anything but silent.”
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WHO Representative in Solomon Islands, Dr Howard Sobel (rightmost) with (from left): Ms Freda Pitakaka, Supervising National Director of Nursing, Ms Monica Fong, WHO Health Systems Strengthening Coordinator, and Mrs Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary, MHMS. Photo: WHO/R. Serrano
Dr Sobel underscored the safety, efficacy, and life-saving qualities of the HPV vaccine. “This vaccine is not new. It has been safely used in more than 125 countries, including in our Pacific neighbors. Millions of girls around the world have received and benefited from it, with an excellent safety record. It is approved by the World Health Organization and is being introduced as part of our national routine immunization schedule, just like measles, tetanus, and other vaccines our children already receive and benefit from.”
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Dr Sobel underscored the safety, efficacy, and life-saving qualities of the HPV vaccine. “This vaccine is not new. It has been safely used in more than 125 countries, including in our Pacific neighbors. Millions of girls around the world have received and benefited from it, with an excellent safety record. It is approved by the World Health Organization and is being introduced as part of our national routine immunization schedule, just like measles, tetanus, and other vaccines our children already receive and benefit from.”
The Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr Paul Popora Bosawai administered the first HPV vaccine to one of the girls in Nguvia Secondary School. Photo: WHO/R. Serrano
The HPV vaccine introduction is part of the Solomon Islands’ commitment to the WHO global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which calls for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated by the age of 15 by the year 2030. This target is part of a broader strategy which also includes cervical cancer screening, and treatment goals.
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The HPV vaccine introduction is part of the Solomon Islands’ commitment to the WHO global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which calls for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated by the age of 15 by the year 2030. This target is part of a broader strategy which also includes cervical cancer screening, and treatment goals.
A short play about HPV vaccination was one of the highlights of the HPV vaccination launch. Photo: WHO/R. Serrano
The campaign is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the MHMS, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, donor partners and other key stakeholders working together to improve access to life-saving immunization services nationwide.