Government launches HPV vaccination campaign to prevent and eliminate cervical cancer in the country
On July 19th, 2024, the Government of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), the Australian Government, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), officially launched the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in girls aged 11 to 14. 
The launching ceremony, which took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili, as part of the celebration of the 6th National Health Day, was attended by the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. The Prime Minister thanked the WHO, UNICEF, the Australian Government and the Ministry of Health for the joint effort that made the introduction of this important vaccine possible.
The Head of Government also said that the introduction of the HPV vaccine is a significant milestone for public health in Timor-Leste and stressed the need for cooperation between the various ministries and local entities in collecting data for the successful implementation of the initiative.
The launch of the vaccine will be accompanied by a two-week national campaign, starting on August 8th, with the aim of vaccinating 15,000 girls aged 11 and over. The vaccine will be integrated into the routine vaccination system at health facilities, thus strengthening the country's immunization programme.
The government will also make efforts in the coming years to increase health coverage in rural areas, such as building clinics and residences for doctors, to provide health care to all people.
The WHO representative in Timor-Leste, Arvind Mathur, highlighted that the introduction of the HPV vaccine is a significant achievement not only in Timor-Leste's immunization programme, but also in its commitment to cervical cancer prevention. He also stressed that the extensive training given to health care providers at all levels and the work done with teachers in information sessions at school and in the community will be fundamental to increasing vaccination coverage.
The event was also attended by several authorities, including the Vice-Minister for Institutional Strengthening, José dos Reis Magno, the Vice-Minister for Hospital Operationalization, Flávio Brandão Mendes de Araújo, the Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, the Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Kimura Tetsuya, and the UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste, Patrizia DiGiovanni.
With Gavi's support, 41,000 doses of HPV vaccine were made available for the initial phase of the campaign. In addition, 38,370 doses will be provided by the Australian Government to ensure the continuity of vaccination over the next six months. 
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the WHO and UNICEF, will carry out intensive community and media awareness sessions to raise public awareness of the HPV vaccine and ensure that accurate and scientifically proven.
