Laos to launch free HPV vaccination campaign

VIENTIANE, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) — Hospitals across Laos are set to offer free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to girls aged 10 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer.
The nationwide campaign is expected to begin in October, according to a report from the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Ministry of Health on Thursday.
Lao health officials emphasized that the campaign would be available at hospitals across Laos. They encouraged schools to begin identifying eligible girls in September to ensure smooth and widespread participation. The vaccination campaign is open to both students and non-students.
Vaccines in the campaign specifically target four high-risk types of the virus, types 6, 11, 16 and 18, which are particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia, including Laos.
Lao authorities urged parents to ensure their daughters receive vaccinations, reinforcing Laos’ commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue. ■