BY CHRIS ALEX
In a move to combat cervical cancer and strengthen women’s health across the province, the Guadalcanal’s Health Division, in partnership with the Honiara City Council, launched the HPV Vaccine Big Catch-Up campaign yesterday at Nguvia Secondary School.
Addressing students, educators, health officials, and community leaders, Dr Ray Seleso, Provincial Health Director, highlighted the urgency and importance of the initiative.
“Today, our business is to protect the lives and future of our daughters in Guadalcanal.
“As the leader of the health sector in our province, I want to thank our partners and donors for standing with us. Your collaboration strengthens our effort to reach every eligible girl during this campaign,” he said.
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in the Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal. The campaign aims to close the vaccination gap for girls aged 9 to 14, providing them with the HPV vaccine, a proven method to prevent HPV-related diseases, especially cervical cancer.
Seleso announced that vaccination will begin in Zones 1 and 6 on July 26, 2025, with social mobilization efforts already underway. Official schedules will be communicated to schools and communities in the coming days.
“We urge parents, guardians, and teachers to help prepare and support our girls. This vaccine is their shield against a preventable disease that has already taken too many of our mothers, sisters, and daughters,” he said.
In addition to the HPV vaccine, the health teams will also conduct routine immunization for babies during the campaign to ensure those who have missed their early vaccinations are also protected.
Citing recent measles outbreaks in neighbouring countries, Seleso warned of the risk of emerging infectious diseases and the strain such outbreaks could place on Guadalcanal’s health system.
“Our system cannot afford an outbreak. This is why I call on every parent please bring your daughters. Let’s act before it’s too late,” he urged.
Seleso spoke movingly about the role of women in Guadalcanal’s cultural fabric, calling them the “nurturers of life” and “the future of our land.”
“The girls we protect today will become the mothers and leaders of tomorrow for Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands.
“To the young girls who are sitting here this morning, be brave. This vaccine is your shield. It is a step towards a healthier, stronger, and brighter future,” he said.
Seleso concluded by encouraging communities to come together and ensure the success of the campaign;
“Let us reach every girl. Let us protect them from disease. Together, we can build a future where no woman suffers from HPV-related illness.”
The launch marks a significant public health milestone for the Solomon Islands, reinforcing a collective commitment to safeguarding the health, dignity, and futures of the nation’s girls and women.
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