Administrative officials and experts have urged all concerned to make the forthcoming Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign successful for a better future. HPV is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer. HPV affects the skin. There are more than 100 different types. They came up with the observation while addressing an advocacy meeting in the city bhaban conference hall in Rajshahi on Monday (Oct 14) ahead of the HPV campaign, local media reported. All the girls aged between 10 to 14 will be brought under the vaccination. The 18-day long campaign will be held from Oct 24.
RCC Administrator and Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir addressed the meeting as chief guest with RCC Chief Executive Officer Dr ABM Sharif Uddin in the chair. Divisional Director of the Department of Health Services Dr Anwarul Kabir, Civil Surgeon Dr Abu Sayeed Muhammad Faruque, Deputy Director of the Department of Secondary and Higher Education Dr Sharmin Ferdous Chowdhury and Deputy Director of the Department of Primary Education Muhammad Sanaullah also spoke.
The meeting was told that the government has been providing the vaccine free of cost and the targeted people have been asked to register their names in www.vaxepi.gov.bd website to get the vaccine.
Dr Anwarul Kabir attributed that the HPV-Related cancers like cervical cancer can be prevented through the vaccine. For a secure tomorrow, speak to your doctor about HPV prevention, including HPV vaccination and screening.
He also said HPV vaccination can act as the body's frontline defence, shielding it from HPV infection and other associated diseases and cancers.
As per studies, vaccination before HPV exposure, particularly the first sexual contact, can help provide a high protection rate of more than 90 percent. As a whole, HPV vaccination has been demonstrated to help reduce the risk of genital warts and certain HPV-related cancers by up to 80-90 percent.
