health
Nighttime HPV vaccination marathon in Cartagena: schedules and locations
Cartagena is preparing for a special public health event: this Thursday, March 26, a nighttime vaccination marathon against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), one of the main causes of cervical cancer, will take place. The initiative aims to increase vaccination coverage and prevent diseases associated with this virus.
TL;DR
- Cartagena will host a nighttime HPV vaccination marathon on Thursday, March 26, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- The event aims to increase vaccination coverage against HPV, a primary cause of cervical cancer.
- Vaccinations will be administered at the Gran Manzana, La Castellana, and La Plazuela shopping centers.
- The initiative is part of a national plan to control cervical cancer, focusing on vaccination, screening, and treatment.
- The HPV vaccine is safe, internationally approved, and over 95% effective in preventing cervical cancer.
- The vaccination is primarily targeted at children and adolescents aged 9 to 17, but is also available for men and boys.
- Other regular vaccines will also be available during the event.
- In 2025, Cartagena registered 98 new cases of cervical cancer and 57 deaths from the disease.
- Nationally, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and fifth in mortality in Colombia.
- National goals include vaccinating 90% of girls and adolescents, achieving 70% access to screening, and ensuring timely treatment for 90% of diagnosed cases.