The National Department of Health (NDoH) has announced today that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines will be available across the country starting with the National Capital District on November 9 before expanding to other provinces in 2027.

It was announced at the National Advocacy Meeting on the introduction of the HPV Vaccine in Papua New Guinea held in Port Moresby.

It aims to build a shared understanding of the HPV vaccine introduction, challenges, strengthen partnerships, and foster a coordinated national approach to advocacy and community engagement before the vaccine rollout nationwide.

Supporting this initiative is UNICEF, World Health Organisation (WHO), GAVI, the Australian Government and others to introduce the vaccine to the whole country.

Dr Budhi Setiawan, UNICEF PNG Chief Health and Nutrition says the HPV vaccine is newly introduced to PNG but has been used worldwide since 2006.

Dr Setiawan says the vaccine is safe and many countries have used it.

“This vaccine is extremely safe because many countries have used it and proven to be able to prevent cervical cancer in later stages of the lives of girls.”

According to WHO, there are about 1,053 new cases reported every year and more than 650 deaths every year in the country.

Team Lead, Immunization, of the WHO PNG, Glenda Gonzales, says the rollout should not only be in schools, but in all the communities, especially in remote areas.

“Although 70 per cent of our target population is in schools for girls aged 9 to 14, this rollout is not just about the school campaign. Our target is around 70 per cent who are in school and 30 per cent who are out of school.”

Gonzales says the rollout’s success depends on fully embedding this HPV vaccination into the primary healthcare.

The Health Department says a high vaccination coverage among eligible girls across the country can be achieved through collective efforts ensuring that accurate information reaches communities and builds confidence in the vaccine.