RAJSHAHI, Oct 25, 2024 (BSS) - The final phase of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign was launched in the division as elsewhere across the country with an aim of preventing Cervical cancer and protecting women's health.

Around nine lakh juvenile girls aged between 10 to 14 years will be administered the vaccines during the 18-day vaccination campaign in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) and eight districts under the division.

Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir inaugurated the divisional level campaign at Rajshahi Government Girls high School premises as the chief guest today with Divisional Director of the Department of Health Services Dr Anwarul Kabir Talukder in the chair.

Dr. Anwarul Kabir told the opening ceremony that the HPV is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer. HPV affects the skin. There are more than 100 different types.

He said the government has been providing the vaccine free of cost supported by UNICEF, Gavi and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Commissioner Dr Humayun Kabir attributed that the HPV-Related cancers like cervical cancer can be prevented through the vaccine.

HPV vaccination can act as the body's frontline defence, shielding it from HPV infection and other associated diseases and cancers.