Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), in partnership with the National Department of Health (NDoH), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and partner health facilities, has commenced a series of sensitization, vaccination training, social mobilization, and microplanning workshops in preparation for the rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Project across the National Capital District in November.
The orientation and training workshops bring together clinic managers and healthcare workers from NCDPHA-managed health facilities and four participating private health facilities, namely Mobile Doctors Private Clinic, CPL Wellness Clinic, Karua Medical Center, and Aharoni Private Medical Center.
The workshops aim to equip frontline health workers with the knowledge, skills, and implementation strategies needed to deliver the HPV vaccination program successfully and conduct effective community awareness activities.
The HPV vaccination program will target girls aged 9 to 14 years, providing them with protection against the Human Papillomavirus, a leading cause of cervical cancer among women worldwide. The workshops will also focus on strengthening social mobilization efforts and facility-level microplanning to ensure the program reaches eligible girls throughout the National Capital District.
The NCDPHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robin Oge, acknowledged the commitment and collaboration of all partners involved in preparing for the vaccine rollout.
Dr. Oge said, “This training marks an important milestone in our collective effort to safeguard the health and future of young girls in the National Capital District. I would like to sincerely acknowledge the National Department of Health, WHO, UNICEF, our partner clinics, and all participating healthcare workers for their commitment to ensuring the successful introduction of the HPV vaccine in NCD.”
He said the workshops would play a critical role in preparing healthcare workers to deliver accurate information, strengthen community confidence, and ensure successful program implementation.
“The HPV vaccine is a safe, effective, and proven public health intervention that protects girls from HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer later in life. Through these trainings, we are equipping our healthcare workforce with the tools and knowledge needed to support families and communities throughout the rollout,” Dr. Oge added.
NCDPHA strongly supports the HPV vaccination initiative and emphasized that the upcoming rollout represents a major investment in preventive healthcare for girls and future generations.
Dr Oge said, “NCDPHA stands firmly behind the introduction of the HPV vaccine and encourages parents, guardians, community leaders, schools, churches, and stakeholders to support this important public health program.” He further emphasized that by vaccinating girls between the ages of 9 and 14, we are taking proactive steps to reduce the burden of cervical cancer and improve long-term health outcomes for women in Papua New Guinea.
As preparations continue ahead of the November rollout, NCDPHA will work closely with NDoH, WHO, UNICEF, public and private health facilities, schools, and communities to ensure the program is successfully implemented across the National Capital District.
The Authority encourages parents and guardians to seek information from their nearest health facility and support eligible girls aged 9 to 14 years to receive the HPV vaccine when the program commences.
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