The Government of Guyana is making available Gardasil in the fight against cervical cancer and will on Wednesday introduce the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to be administered to girls from age 11 years.
This is according to a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) yesterday.
Gardasil is a vaccine that guards against cervical cancer and genital warts and has been shown to protect against cancers of the vagina, anus and vulva.
The Health Ministry has for the past few years been increasing awareness of cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer affecting women and which has led to more women seeking screening, diagnosis and treatment. The Ministry has also introduced the Visual Inspection using Acetic Acid (VIA) methodology free of cost to encourage women to check on their status as early detection can save lives.
The release said that there are over 100 types of the HPV and it is spread through intercourse.
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran in an interview with GINA said that vaccination is one of the main measures used to prevent certain diseases. The Minister said the health system already has a robust immunization programme with 16 vaccines for children. He explained that the new HPV vaccine is aimed particularly at protecting young women between 11 and 13. “The effect of the vaccine will be seen several years from now when the targeted age group will reflect a reduction in the number of cervical cancer cases.
