In a significant health initiative, the Department of Health in Caraga (DOH-13) announced that 7,459 Grade 4 girls across the region have been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is known to be the leading cause of cervical cancer, a prevalent cancer among women. The vaccinations were part of a school-based immunization drive held in various schools throughout the Caraga region. The campaign saw 4,088 girls from the region’s provinces and 3,371 from its cities receiving the vaccine. DOH-13 emphasized that vaccinating these young girls before they are exposed to HPV greatly reduces their chances of developing cervical cancer in the future. The province of Agusan del Sur led the vaccination numbers with 1,723 girls vaccinated, followed by Surigao del Sur with 1,410, Surigao del Norte with 899, Dinagat Islands with 271, and Agusan del Norte with 68. Among the cities, Butuan topped the list with 2,573 vaccinations, followed by Tandag with 236, Bislig with 146, and Surigao with 133. The DOH-13 extended its thanks to the Department of Education’s division offices for their cooperation in this crucial vaccination program, and affirmed that the campaign against HPV will persist to safeguard more young girls in the region from cervical cancer.
