4,500 new cases a year. This is the average number of women in the country who are diagnosed with uterine cancer, a disease that It is estimated that it costs the lives of 270,000 of them each year worldwide. However, the A.Argentina in the last decade has managed to improve its statistics thanks to the application of the vaccine against the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes cancer of the uterus..
It is in the above context, 10 years after the start of the application of immunization against HPVMisiones has been chosen by the national authorities to be part of a study that will allow it have more details on the impact of the vaccine, which will result in an improved public policy approach to combat this virus.
This morning in Madariaga de Posada Hospitals, and with the Minister of National Health, Carla Vizzotti, the launch ceremony of the study was held: “ImPact for vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) in Argentina in the field of cervical cancer prevention: real experience 10 years after its implementation”, with the participation of the authorities of the ANLIS Malbrán, the lieutenant governor, Carlos Arce, the minister of health, Oscar Alarcón, and virtually all the different area heads of the school health center.
There it was explained that Posadas together with Córdoba, Rosario, La Rioja have been selected to participate in this national multicenter study conducted by the Malbrán Institute where they will measure the impact of HPV vaccination in sexually active women between 15 and 20 years old of age who received at least one dose of said vaccine. It is the third phase of the project, the first in Latin America to measure the impact of this vaccine on the population.
“HPV vaccination is the most effective MEASURE to try to prevent the development of cervical cancer.”
in dialogue with Online missionsthe doctor María Alejandra Picconi of INEI – ANLIS Malbrán, one of the professionals leading the research, explained that the study will make it possible to obtain data on human papillomaviruses circulating in women from different parts of the country, that is, specific information will be obtained on the different HPV genotypes in the population.
Subsequently, he indicated that they aim for less than a year participating provinces collect between 300 (minimum) and 500 (optimum) samples, which will be voluntary.
By your side, Vizzotti explained that the target of the study are sexually active vaccinated teenagers who undergo gynecological checkups, who will be swabbed to see if they have HPV..
“It will give us data on how vaccination against this virus is affecting the population, which is extremely important to properly maintain immunization and improve it if necessary.”he detailed.
With the presidential election close to taking place in 2023, the head of the health portfolio has estimated that the first results should be ready next year.
“You have to get vaccinated”
The deputy governor, Carlos Arce, stressed that the HPV vaccine is 93% effective and specifically asked parents to immunize their children at the age of 11. “HPV infection starts between the ages of 16 and 18 and that’s why you have to vaccinate at 11 to give the vaccine time to build up immunity with that dose. That is why it must be very clear that this vaccine is safe and effective. So that the parents authorize it, ”he stressed.
It should be noted that HPV is not a unique condition, but practically necessary for the subsequent development of uterine cancer. Thus, in August 2020, the Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer to which Argentina joined. This strategy proposes that by 2030, all countries could achieve 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% coverage of early lesion detection, and 90% access to treatment for precancerous lesions and cervical cancer, including access to palliative care.
According to studies, it is estimated that 4 out of 5 people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. This does not necessarily mean getting cancer, but getting vaccinated is essential to prevent its spread and prevent serious consequences.
The vaccine is given to boys and girls from the age of 11. 6 to 12 months later, a second dose is given. Vaccination in childhood or preadolescence is ideal to prevent cancer in young adults during their sex life, but it is also recommended for people up to age 26 who have not received the childhood vaccine or who are living with HIV .
