CONCERNED citizens group the Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) has praised the ministry of health and medical service’s plan to fight cervical cancer.
The fight against cervical cancer was announced by the acting Permanent Secretary, of the ministry of health, Dr. Cedric Alependava last Thursday.
Dr. Alependava said the vaccination program will target young girls from 9 -12 years olds to prevent them from getting what is called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer.
“This is a demonstration program that will start next year in Honiara and Isabel province”, Dr. Alependava said.
“These areas have been chosen for the demonstration program due to the very strict requirements from the Iinternational donor.
“If this program is successful in demonstrating that this vaccination can be integrated into the existing EPI immunization program, then the Solomon Islands will be eligible for heavily subsidized HPV vaccines for a five year national rollout”, Dr. Alependava said.
He said each girl requires three doses over a 6 months period starting in March next year.
FSII yesterday welcomed the announcement and said it is good to hear the health ministry has embarked on a very important life-saving project.
“We welcome the ministry of health’s announcement that it has embarked on a major immunization demonstration program, targeting a certain group of young girls” said Benjamin Afuga, CEO of FSII.
The immunization program is to prevent these young girls from getting what is called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer.
“This is welcoming news and I hope the health ministry is contagious to ensure it secures funding from the donor to see this life-saving program materialized”, Afuga said.
FSII, a renowned concerned citizens group is always vocal on health and other communal issues.
The group encourages the ministry to work hard to achieve more for the health sector, amid these difficult situations.
In the meantime time, FSII is adamant that the Ministry achieves this planned demonstration program to save women from getting cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the largest cause of cancer-related deaths for women in this country and worldwide.
Last Thursday the ministry also received a cervical cancer screening machine called Colposcope from the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation.
Dr. Alependava when receiving the machine said the Colposcope will make a great difference to strengthening the cervical cancer-screening capacity in the country.
Afuga also thanked the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation for this magnificent gift of life.
“On behalf of the silent majority and the marginalized, I wish to thank the Australian Cervical Foundation and the wonderful people of Australia for this magnificent gift of life for the girls and women in this country.
“This magnificent gift of life will undoubtedly make a momentous difference in the lives of many young girls and women,” Afuga said.
By FSII News
