The nationwide HPV vaccination program, with the goal of vaccinating over ten million children and adolescents to combat cervical cancer, has been making significant strides.
With the tagline "Take one dose of HPV vaccine, prevent cervical cancer”, the government's target is to bring 95% of girls aged between 10 and 14 under this vaccination initiative.
This program is initially being offered free of charge to girls aged 10-14 years in Dhaka division. Commencing on October 15, this initiative is scheduled to span 18 working days.
At the Bailey Road branch of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, girls are seen actively participating in the vaccination program. Students from various branches of the school came to receive their vaccine doses.
Sources at the school said that approximately a thousand students are getting vaccinated at the branch daily.
Fourteen-year-old Samia Rahman shared her experience with Dhaka Tribune: "I first learned about HPV vaccination through my teachers. We were then instructed to register online, and I have now received the vaccine. This vaccination is a one-time event at our age."
Her classmate, Ariana Khan concurred, saying: "A single dose suffices for students aged 10 to 14. I'm 14, so I took it now. The vaccine's effectiveness is at its peak when administered at this age."
Another student, Nasiya An Nas Pratikkha, said: "I am a student of the Bashundhara Branch. I took this vaccine to avoid future problems. It will protect us from cervical cancer."
Furthermore, Minu Ara, Pratikkha’s mother, said that this vaccine can safeguard girls from uterine tumours or cancer in the future.
She said: "I have received this vaccination. I had to take two doses. However, a single dose is sufficient if administered before the age of 14."
Plans to expand
Since the availability of this vaccine is limited, the vaccination schedule will be announced as per its availability.
For now, girls in Dhaka division can receive the vaccine after registering on the Vaxepi app or website. The government plans to cover other divisions in 2024.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque said that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign plans to inoculate more than 12.5 million girls aged 10 to 14 across Bangladesh.
The vaccination program will be conducted all over the country in three phases.
Upon the completion of all three phases, the HPV vaccine will be integrated into the routine immunization program for girls in grade V and 10-year-old girls who are out of the education system.
A concern for women
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with over 95% of cases attributed to HPV.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Bangladeshi women in terms of incidence, with approximately 8,300 new cases diagnosed and 4,900 deaths reported in the country annually.
Virtually all cervical cancer cases can be traced back to HPV infection, causing thousands of women to succumb to this disease each year. The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered prior to exposure to the HPV virus.
That is why the WHO recommends vaccinating girls aged 10 to 14 to safeguard against cervical cancer, given that most girls are not sexually active at this age.
Another 14-year-old student, Mehreen Zaman Athai, highlighted the gravity of cervical cancer for women and the role her mother played in guiding her to get vaccinated.
"Cervical cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases for women. My mother informed me about this and advised me to get vaccinated. And we are being given this vaccine completely free," she said.
With the support of GAVI, Unicef has provided 2.3 million HPV vaccines for all girls in Dhaka division.
Sheldon Yett, Unicef Representative in Bangladesh, expressed his satisfaction at contributing to the government's efforts in HPV vaccination.
Yett said: "Cervical cancer claims the lives of thousands of women every year. However, these fatalities can be averted if teenagers receive just one dose of the HPV vaccine."
Dr Bardan Jung Rana, WHO representative in Bangladesh, emphasized that HPV is one of the most effective vaccines for preventing cervical cancer.