Nuevo Laredo Launches Groundbreaking HPV Vaccination Campaign to Protect Thousands of children
In a historic move to safeguard the health of its youngest citizens,Nuevo Laredo is set to launch its 2025 Vaccination Day against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).Starting in February, municipal brigades will visit 162 schools to administer the Gardasil 9 vaccine to children aged 9 to 12 years old. This initiative, a collaboration between the Municipal Government, civil organizations, and private initiatives, aims to protect over 6,000 children from HPV-related cancers and diseases.
At a recent press conference, Mayor Carmen lilia Canturosas Villarreal emphasized the significance of this campaign.“With grate pride, I can say that we are the only municipality in which, thanks to the sum of efforts between organized civil society and the government, we will apply more than 6,000 vaccines to children and adolescents between 9 and 12 years old to protect them against the Human Papillomavirus,” she stated.
The Municipal Government has contributed 3 million 140 thousand 619 pesos to ensure the vaccination day is free for families. This effort will save families over 10,000 pesos per child,as the two-dose vaccine woudl or else cost substantially more.
A Model of Collaboration
Table of Contents
The campaign is a testament to the power of collaboration. Sergio Ojeda Castillo, president of the Nuevo Laredo rotary Club, highlighted the success of previous initiatives. “We have made seven campaigns possible here in Nuevo Laredo, which has given a total of approximately 23,000 children vaccinated.each child is given two doses. This is something that, if it were not for this unit of the Private initiative and the Government, would cost parents up to 10,000 pesos,” he explained.
Mario Palos Garza, president of the PG marathons Foundation, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of creating healthy citizens thru such partnerships.
the Gardasil 9 Vaccine: A Shield Against HPV
The Gardasil 9 vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing HPV-related illnesses.It protects against nine types of HPV (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) and helps prevent cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers, and also genital warts and precancerous lesions.
Dr. Liliana Arjona Barocio, Secretary of Social welfare, detailed the logistics of the campaign. Nursing students from the Faculty of Nursing of Nuevo Laredo will form brigades to administer the vaccines in schools, ensuring widespread coverage.
Why This Matters
HPV is a leading cause of several cancers, and vaccination at an early age is crucial for long-term protection. The American Cancer Society has set a goal to reach an 80% vaccination rate among 13-year-olds in the U.S. by 2026, highlighting the global importance of such initiatives [[1]].
Key details at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Target Group | Children aged 9 to 12 years old |
| Number of Vaccines | Over 6,000 |
| Cost Savings | Families save over 10,000 pesos per child |
| Vaccine Used | Gardasil 9 |
| Start Date | First week of February 2025 |
| Schools Covered | 162 schools |
| Funding | 3 million 140 thousand 619 pesos contributed by the Municipal Government |
A Call to Action
Parents and guardians are urged to participate in this vital campaign. By vaccinating their children, they not only protect them from life-threatening diseases but also contribute to the broader goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers.
Nuevo Laredo’s initiative serves as a model for other municipalities, demonstrating how collaboration between government, private organizations, and civil society can create impactful public health programs.
For more information on HPV vaccination and its benefits, visit the American Cancer society’s HPV Vaccination Initiatives [[1]].
This campaign is more than just a vaccination drive—it’s a step toward a healthier future for Nuevo Laredo’s children. Let’s make sure no child is left unprotected.
interview with Sergio Ojeda Castillo and Mario Palos Garza on Nuevo laredo’s HPV Vaccination Campaign
Editor: thank you both for joining us today. Let’s start with the basics.Can you explain the significance of this vaccination campaign in Nuevo Laredo?
Sergio Ojeda castillo: Absolutely. This campaign is a testament to the power of collaboration between the Municipal Government, private organizations like the Rotary Club, and civil society. We’ve successfully conducted seven campaigns so far, vaccinating approximately 23,000 children with two doses each.Without this initiative, parents would have to pay up to 10,000 pesos per child for the vaccine. This effort not only saves families money but also ensures widespread protection against HPV-related illnesses.
mario Palos Garza: I’d like to add that this initiative is about more then just vaccination—it’s about creating healthier citizens. By partnering with the government and other organizations, we’re able to reach a large number of children, particularly those in underserved communities. This is a model that other municipalities can replicate to improve public health outcomes.
Editor: That’s notable. Can you tell us more about the vaccine being used and its benefits?
Sergio Ojeda Castillo: Certainly. We’re using the Gardasil 9 vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing HPV-related illnesses. It protects against nine types of HPV, including those that cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers, and also genital warts and precancerous lesions. This vaccine is a powerful tool in our fight against these diseases.
Mario Palos Garza: And it’s important to note that vaccination at an early age is crucial for long-term protection. The American Cancer Society has set a goal to reach an 80% vaccination rate among 13-year-olds in the U.S. by 2026, which underscores the global importance of initiatives like ours.
Editor: How is the campaign being implemented on the ground?
Sergio Ojeda Castillo: Nursing students from the Faculty of Nursing of Nuevo Laredo are forming brigades to administer the vaccines in schools. This ensures that we can reach as many children as possible, especially in areas where access to healthcare might be limited. The campaign will cover 162 schools, starting in the first week of February 2025.
Mario Palos Garza: The logistics are well-organized, thanks to the collaboration between various stakeholders. The Municipal Government has contributed 3 million 140 thousand 619 pesos to ensure the vaccination day is free for families. This funding is critical to the success of the campaign.
Editor: What message would you like to share with parents and guardians?
Sergio Ojeda Castillo: We urge parents and guardians to participate in this vital campaign.By vaccinating their children, they’re not only protecting them from life-threatening diseases but also contributing to the broader goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers. This is an opportunity to safeguard their children’s health and future.
mario Palos Garza: I’d like to emphasize that this campaign is more than just a vaccination drive—it’s a step toward a healthier future for Nuevo Laredo’s children. Let’s make sure no child is left unprotected.
Conclusion
Nuevo Laredo’s HPV vaccination campaign is a shining example of how collaboration between government,private organizations,and civil society can create impactful public health programs. By using the Gardasil 9 vaccine, the initiative aims to protect children from HPV-related illnesses and save families meaningful costs. With the support of the community, this campaign has the potential to serve as a model for other municipalities, paving the way for a healthier future for all.
