BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) continues to claim lives across Solomon Islands despite limited public awareness, says a health official.
Speaking during the Church Leaders Workshop at Kukudu Adventist College, Health Promotion Officer for Western Province, Alrence Oscar, described HPV as a “silent serial killer”.
Now widespread and often underestimated, the virus is responsible for a growing number of cancer-related deaths in the country.
Oscar said HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally and poses a serious threat to public health.
“If left unchecked, HPV can cause cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers. What makes it particularly dangerous is that many people are unaware they are infected, and by the time symptoms show, it may be too late,” he explained.
Oscar added that rising HPV cases are particularly alarming for women and girls, as cervical cancer remains one of the most severe outcomes of the virus.
He stressed the vital role church leaders can play in raising awareness and supporting community education.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is now conducting HPV immunisation for girls aged nine to 14. This is the most effective way to prevent the virus from spreading and causing long-term harm,” Oscar said.
He urges parents to support the campaign by ensuring their daughters receive the HPV vaccine.
“The only way to reduce the risk of HPV is through vaccination. We must protect our future generation by acting now,” Oscar said.
The workshop, supported by ADRA and UNICEF, aims to equip church leaders with accurate health information to help drive community-based prevention efforts.
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