BY JOY OFASIA
Dr. Howard Sobel, WHO representative in the Solomon Islands, delivered his key message at a launch event at Nguvia Community High School in North East Guadalcanal, stressing the HPV vaccine’s lifesaving potential.
His words served as both a call to action and a reminder: protecting the health of young girls today means giving them the chance at a better, healthier future.
Speaking to students, parents, health workers, and government officials at the launch of The Big Catch-Up HPV vaccine campaign, Dr. Sobel described the vaccine as “safe, effective, and life-saving.”
“Cervical cancer caused by certain strains of HPV is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Solomon Islands,” Dr. Sobel said. “Too many women, aunties, sisters, friends, and daughters have needlessly suffered from this disease.”
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is now part of the national routine immunization program, protects against the most dangerous types of HPV that lead to cervical cancer. It is offered to girls aged 9 to 14 and has already helped millions of girls worldwide.
“Given to girls aged 9 to 14 years, it reduces their risk of developing cervical cancer by up to 90%,” Dr. Sobel explained. “It’s been safely used in more than 125 countries, including our Pacific neighbors, with an excellent safety record.”
He reassured parents that the vaccine is WHO-approved and no different from other vaccines their children already receive, like measles and tetanus.
“The HPV vaccine gives our young girls the opportunity to grow up healthy, to pursue dreams, and live long, whole lives. Our girls are too precious,” he said.
Dr. Sobel also urged families and communities not to let fear and misinformation prevent them from protecting their children.
“Let’s not allow myths and misinformation put their lives at risk,” he said firmly. “We are committed to protecting you today so that tomorrow you can grow up a strong, healthy woman leading and shaping our communities.”
“No woman should die from a preventable disease,” he added. “The HPV vaccine is one step forward — a step that must be taken hand in hand with government support, health leaders, schools, parents, and communities.”
