By Katalina Siasau
The Ministry of Health is pushing to increase HPV vaccination coverage this week, particularly in Tongatapu, where health officials have noted community resistance. This initiative aims for long-term cervical cancer prevention.
Currently, the national HPV vaccination coverage stands at 57%, and the ministry aims to get 80% coverage by the end of the year.
During a media briefing on 21 July to officially launch the HPV Vaccine Rollout 2025, which beginson 22 July, the Minister for Health, Dr. 'Ana 'Akauola said Tongatapu, which accounts for 70% of the targeted population, has only achieved 30% coverage. Ha’apai has 90% coverage, ‘Eua has over 80% coverage, and Vava’u has 70%.
"While outer islands like Vava’u and Ha’apai show good coverage, Tongatapu significantly needs more coverage," said Minister Dr. ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola.
The Ministries of Health and Education are collaborating to raise awareness among adolescent girls aged 10 to 14 years, who are the primary recipients of the HPV vaccine, for long-term cervical cancer prevention.
Dr. ‘Akau’ola emphasized that, "Despite being the third most common cancer among women, cervical cancer accounts for the highest number of deaths due to late detection."
She highlighted that this cancer claims the lives of women in Tonga, often between the ages of 30 and 40.
She said there are seven to ten new cervical cancer cases detected annually, "but often too late for effective treatment."
She said out of the cases detected in the past year or two, only one survived, with the others resulting in fatalities.
Screening services are available for women aged 30-64 years, and if a virus is detected during screening, the Ministry of Health provides treatment immediately, the Minister said.
HPV vaccine side effects
"The most common side effects is pain and redness at the injection site, which usually last within a few days," said Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Public Health, Dr. 'Ofa Tukia.
Some individuals may experience headaches, body aches, or small lumps near the injection area, which typically resolve within one to two weeks.
Dr. Tukia assured that the Ministry provides special attention and treatment for those who may experience allergic reactions to the vaccine.
Community concerns
The Acting Supervising Nurse, Reproductive Health Sister Manafonu, addressed community concerns and misconceptions, including the mistaken belief that the HPV vaccine is a follow-up to COVID-19 vaccines and that it causes deaths.
She stressed the importance of clarifying that there is no link between the two vaccines.
She also said religious beliefs also pose a hindrance to vaccination, as do concerns about future fertility.
Ministry of Education
Meanwhile, the Director for Primary & Early Childhood Education for the Ministry of Education, Mr. Hepeti Takeifanga, noted that girls aged 10-14 years are typically in Class 6, Form 1, Form 2, and some in Form 3.
He said approximately 85% attend government schools, and 15% are in church schools.
"There is a strong need for more talanoa (discussions) with parents and guardians to address common challenges," he said.
Some of the challenges he noted are parents not signing consent forms, some traveling overseas for fruit picking, and others requiring a deeper understanding of the issue, and relocation of houses.
The HPV Vaccine Rollout 2025 is funded and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and UNICEF Pacific.
