Guyana has switched to the 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, offering greater protection and improved cancer prevention.
This monumental healthcare advancement was launched on Wednesday at the Diamond Regional Hospital. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the vaccine is safe, effective, and longer-lasting compared to the one previously distributed.
“It protects against nine of the most common strains that cause cervical cancer and is about 90 per cent effective. So, moving from the quadrivalent to the 9-valent vaccine means added protection.
HPV vaccination has been shown to have high seroconversion rates, reduce pre-cancerous lesions, and lead to a significant decline in genital warts,” the Health Minister said.
A young girl gets her HPV 9-valant vaccine. (Photo: Ministry of Health)
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting people in Guyana. Globally, 44,000 deaths are attributed to cervical cancer each year. For this reason, Guyana is intensifying efforts to prevent it. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide and is responsible for a range of cancers and warts in both men and women. People aged nine and older are encouraged to get vaccinated to prevent infection.
In 2020, uptake of the vaccine was about 17 per cent. Through several vaccination drives, this has increased to 71 per cent. According to the World Health Organization, the ideal target is 90 per cent.
Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, during his remarks on Wednesday. (Photo: Ministry of Health)
“This is something that is preventable, and the way we prevent it is by ensuring that people get vaccinated.
One of the things people worry about when getting a vaccine is the side effects. With this vaccine, side effects are minimal—similar to any other vaccine. There is nothing unusual; it’s simply the body’s normal reaction to the vaccine. There is no cause for alarm,” the Minister said.
This vaccine is used in many developed countries but is costly to procure. It was purchased with support from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), which sourced it from the manufacturer, Merck & Co., saving Guyana some $17 million.
Anyone interested in receiving the vaccine can do so at health centres across the country. Children aged nine to fifteen will receive two doses, while those sixteen and older will receive three doses. Persons who previously received the quadrivalent vaccine can also get this one.
Additionally, the Health Ministry has developed a cervical cancer screening programme, allowing women to access screening services with a voucher from the Ministry.
The post Scientific triumph for Guyana as costly HPV 9-valent vaccine now available appeared first on News Room Guyana.
