health
Government held a free HPV vaccination drive to eliminate cervical cancer
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted DNA virus that primarily affects the oral and genital mucous membranes. According to PAHO, there are over 240 HPV variants, 15 of which are linked to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer.
TL;DR
- Colombia held a nationwide HPV vaccination drive on March 26th targeting 23,000 adolescents aged 9-17.
- The campaign aimed to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in the country.
- Vaccination efforts were conducted in schools, high-traffic areas, via house visits, and at over 3,000 vaccination points.
- The Ministry of Health highlighted that a single free dose can save lives and urged parents and caregivers to protect adolescents.
- Colombia has been strengthening its HPV vaccination strategy since 2012, expanding it to include boys in 2023.
- To date, approximately 8 million doses have been administered to girls, and over one million boys have been protected.
- Early detection of cervical cancer can be done through Pap smears or HPV typing, with Pap smears being widely available in primary healthcare.
- Regular Pap smears are crucial for women as treatment of pre-invasive lesions can eradicate infection and prevent progression to invasive cancer.