Starting October 1, Tajikistan has been rolling out a vaccination campaign for girls aged 10–14 against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer, one of the most common types of cancer among women. Asia-Plus has investigated how the campaign is progressing in schools.
HPV is responsible for various dangerous diseases, with cervical cancer being the most significant.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of thousands of women die from cervical cancer each year, with nearly all cases linked to HPV infection.
Vaccinating girls before they become sexually active is considered the most effective prevention method. The vaccine is already included in national immunization schedules in more than 120 countries worldwide and has proven to be both effective and safe.
To reach more girls, vaccination points have been set up in schools across the country. Every day, medical workers are vaccinating girls, but not all parents are on board with the program. Despite ongoing educational efforts by health officials, some parents remain skeptical about the necessity and safety of the vaccine.
Asia-Plus provides a special report on the vaccination campaign in School No. 55 in the Shohmansour district of the capital.
The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus spread through skin contact that can cause various cancers (like cervical, penile, and throat) and genital warts. It is recommended for pre-teens, teens, and young adults, and is most effective when given before exposure to the virus. The vaccine is given as a series of shots and is a crucial tool for cancer prevention.
