DR SAPURI URGED YOUNG GIRLS TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER

PICTURE CAPTION: Participants of the 13th Globe-athon Walk hosted by PIH last over the weekend. INSERT: Dr Sapuri

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

PAPUA New Guinea’s leading gynaecologist, Chief Professor Dr. Mathias Sapuri of Pacific International Hospital (PIH), has issued a powerful call for young girls to get vaccinated against cervical cancer, saying the country could save thousands of women’s lives through prevention.

Every year, more than 12,000 women in PNG are diagnosed with cancers such as cervical, breast, and ovarian. Cervical cancer alone accounts for around 3,500 new cases annually, most detected too late at stage three or four.

Speaking during the 13th Global Tone Walk hosted by PIH, Dr. Sapuri revealed he has submitted a proposal to the Government for a national vaccination program, stressing that the HPV vaccine Gardasil — already available at PIH since 2009 — is the most effective shield against cervical cancer.

Dr. Sapuri emphasized that “Gardasil is the safest and most effective vaccine we have in the country and if PNG rolls out a vaccination program for girls starting at age nine, we will see a significant drop in cervical cancer rates.”
So far, nearly 20,000 girls in PNG have received the vaccine, which is delivered in two or three doses.

Two doses provide 98% protection, while three doses offer 99.9% protection against cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.

Dr. Sapuri urged girls aged 9–27 to get vaccinated and advised women over 27 to undergo regular check-ups every two years, noting that early prevention and screening are key to reducing the country’s rising cancer burden.