Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign plans to inoculate more than 12.5 million schoolgirls aged 10 to 14 across Bangladesh.
The initiative is a vital step in preventing cervical cancer and will provide the young girls with a single vaccine dose, he said.
The vaccination campaign will commence by initially targeting 2.3 million students in schools in Dhaka division. Moreover, 72,000 students from various educational institutions in Manikganj will receive the vaccine.
The initial phase of the vaccination program is expected to run for a month, but further stages will ensure comprehensive coverage.
The health minister shared the details as the chief guest at the launch of a free cervical cancer vaccination program, organized by the Manikganj Civil Surgeon's office on Sunday.
Addressing recent remarks made by BNP, the health minister expressed concerns about misleading statements made on health issues.
He emphasized that accurate information is crucial, as disseminating misinformation about vaccinations can lead to confusion and potentially impact public health. He urged everyone to prioritize the dissemination of accurate and reliable health information.
Addressing students, the health minister said: You have to maintain good health
the importance of maintaining good health and regular exercise, emphasizing that a healthy body is essential for effective learning.
He also encouraged students to recognize and appreciate the significance of the free vaccination program and the importance of their health.
