Jakarta, IO – Health Ministry (Kemenkes) is committed to preventing cervical cancer by intensifying free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) immunization for young girls nationwide.
Director General of Disease Prevention and Control Mazi Rein Rondonuwu said the effort aims to expand the coverage of the HPV immunization to prevent cervical cancer which is the second highest cause of death in Indonesia.
“This HPV vaccine will be given free of charge and is very important to protect girls from cervical cancer which has a fatality of 50 percent if diagnosed too late,” Maxi said, per Sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id, Friday (11/8).
Maxi viewed the immunization drive as the cheapest solution because the cost of treatment is way more expensive. Thus, Kemenkes will continue to expand HPV immunization rate this year.
“Please communicate to the community, especially those who have daughters aged 11 and 12 years, to immediately take advantage of this government program,” he said.
Meanwhile, immunization for school-age children can be carried out through routine School Child Immunization Month (BIAS) activities. The health center has now received HPV immunization services covered by BPJS Kesehatan. (bp)