Laos to Offer Free HPV Vaccinations for Girls Aged 10-14

Vientiane—The Lao Ministry of Health's Center for Information and Education for Health announced that hospitals across Laos will begin offering free HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccinations to girls aged 10-14 starting in October to prevent cervical cancer.

Lao health officials emphasized that hospitals nationwide will participate in this program and urged schools to start identifying eligible girls by September to ensure smooth and comprehensive implementation. The program is open to both students and non-students.

The vaccine used in this program targets high-risk HPV strains, including types 6, 11, 16, and 18, which are particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia, including Laos.

The Lao government is urging parents to ensure their daughters receive the HPV vaccine to support the country's efforts in eliminating cervical cancer, a significant public health issue.

Source: Xinhua Thai