STUDENTS of Pinagbuhatan Elementary School in Pasig City received vaccines against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) during the first youth-led, city-wide immunization program.

The program, which started on August 30, is part of the initiative ‘Kabataan Para Sa HPV-Free Pasig City.’ It aims to inoculate 250 female children aged 9 to 14 to promote the importance of the vaccine in preventing HPV-related cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and “almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms.”

WHO also stated that “HPV vaccines should be given to all girls aged 9–14 years, before they become sexually active.”

“Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent HPV infection, cervical cancer, and other HPV-related cancers. Screening can detect cervical precancers that can be treated before they develop into cancer,” WHO added.