Suriname School HPV Vaccination Campaign Faces Parental Doubts and Concerns

The school vaccination campaign starts today, Thursday 25 April. launched, providing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to students. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health held information sessions at schools to make children aware of the importance of this vaccine. The HPV vaccine is important because it can prevent not only infections but also certain types of cancer. But many Surinamese parents are expressing growing doubts about the HPV vaccine through social media.

HPV vaccine

A report from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, in 2023 shows that despite the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2013, Suriname faced challenges. The vaccination rate fell to 8 percent in 2022. Suriname’s recent switch to a single-dose HPV vaccine schedule, in line with recent recommendations from the WHO (World Health Organization) and PAHO, shows a renewed commitment to encourage vaccination efforts to improve.

According to Health Minister Amar Ramadhin, the HPV vaccine can help prevent breast cancer in women and other forms of cancer in boys if they are vaccinated at a young age.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer, which is considered the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, has become a major health problem in Suriname according to PAHO. It is estimated that 78 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year, resulting in 48 deaths. In Suriname, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in women.

School health program

In Suriname there has been a national vaccination program for years, where children are protected against various infectious diseases according to a schedule, according to internationally recognized methods. Within the framework of the school health program, the Regional Health Service Foundation (RGD) is responsible for approximately 282 primary schools throughout the coastal area of ​​Suriname. Its target group is children between 6 and 15 years old and it reaches over 100,000 students. The school program consists of a screening and vaccination component. The aim of the school health program is to identify and detect abnormalities in school children between 6 and 15 years at an early stage. The vaccine against breast cancer was introduced in 2013. Students (girls) can receive the vaccine from the age of 9.

There are doubts among parents

Since the announcement of the HPV vaccination program, which aims to protect against the human papilloma virus (HPV) which can cause a number of cancers, including breast cancer, concerns among parents have gone the size. These doubts are largely motivated by concerns about the safety of the vaccine.

Lack of trust

One of the main concerns of Surinamese parents seems to be the lack of trust in the government and health care institutions. Previous health care deficits have led many people to distrust vaccines. Some also mention the side effects of other types of vaccines such as the Covid-19 vaccine. This lack of trust can create resistance to vaccination programs, even when there are clear health benefits.

Fear of side effects

If parents believe there is a risk of vaccination, they may be reluctant because they want the best for their child. There are reports on social media that people fear that their children may become infertile later in life if they take the HPV vaccine.

Cultural or religious beliefs

Some parents’ religious or cultural beliefs may influence their views on vaccines. This may be due to traditional beliefs about health, medicine and vaccination.

Errors or incorrect information

Parents may have doubts about the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine because of false or misleading information that is circulating. For example, although the Ministry of Health believes that the HPV vaccine is safe, there are some who believe that it could be dangerous or cause serious side effects or that previous research on the vaccine has not been confirmed.

transparency of health authorities

Health authorities must be transparent about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, and actively fight against misinformation. It is also possible to create a more positive image of the HPV vaccine by informing parents about the benefits of vaccination and dispelling common misconceptions.

In addition, it is essential to listen to parents’ concerns and complaints and take them seriously. Health care facilities can increase the acceptance of vaccination programs if they communicate openly and empathetically with their communities.

SD