Guyana will next Wednesday begin immunizing girls from 11 years old against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer.

The state-run Government Information Agency (GINA) quoted Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran as saying that the launch would be rolled out with 20,400 doses. The vaccine will be administered in three doses over a six month period, at primary schools and health centres in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Minister Ramsaran emphasised that all studies show that the immunization effect is long lasting hence the Ministry is hoping to capture young women before they become sexually active particularly since studies in Guyana indicate that sexual activity can happen as early as 13 years old.

Importantly, the Gardasil vaccine works best before exposure to the HPV virus and also prevents the occurrence of other illnesses including genital and anal warts because they too are caused by the HPV virus, he said.

“This is a long term investment… the cost of the vaccine and logistics make it one of the most costly vaccines in the vaccination programme,” Minister Ramsaran was quoted as saying. However, the cost is reduced due to efforts by the Ministry’s technical support staff.

Gardasil will be the 17^th vaccine as part of Guyana’s robust immunization programme in the public health system.

 The introduction of the HPV vaccine in Guyana culminates with international observances for Cervical Cancer awareness in January.

Authorities expect that 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.  

In 2009 the Guyana Cancer Society disclosed that between 2004 and 2009 there were 520 reported cases of cervical cancer with 309 persons remaining alive.

Guyana already screens and diagnoses women for cervical cancer free of cost, using the Visual Inspection Acetic acid (VIA) methodology to encourage women to check on their status as early detection can lead to saving lives.

The Health Ministry plans to this year visit schools, conduct lectures, and hold medical outreaches where emphasis is on providing VIA Screening.

“We are fanning out the VIA programme into the Regions. This programme has resulted in more women buying into the programme and the MOH has been experiencing less cultural hiccups/taboos against women’s involvement,” expressed Minister Ramsaran.

 The VIA was introduced in 2007 and ensures early detection of and treatment for cervical cancer. Since then, over 25 sites have been established at the various health institutions throughout the country as Guyana has a high percentage of cases.
Emphasis is placed on the single visit approach where women are screened, diagnosed and treated for cervical cancer in one visit and this procedure has resulted in over 10,000 women accessing the service.

The Health Ministry is also receiving support from corporate Guyana towards the advancement of cervical cancer awareness. Minister Ramsaran pointed out that during the third week of January medical teams will be stationed at Laparkan Group’s headquarters – Forgarty’s on Water Street.   

Female workers from the organisation and other surrounding businesses including the Guyana Post Office, Muneshwars, Republic and GBTI Bank will be able to participate in the activities such as medical checkups, and VIA screening.