HPV Campaign to be launched
KINGSTON, 28 April 2025: The Ministry of Health and Wellness and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are collaborating to observe Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) from April 26 to May 3, which coincides with World Immunization Week. Aligned with the theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” this year’s emphasis is on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, recognizing that cervical cancer, which affects women globally as the fourth most common cancer, is almost exclusively caused by HPV.
In 2022, around 350,000 women died from cervical cancer and about 660,000 new cases arose. These preventable deaths and infections have tragic and long-felt impacts on children, families and communities.
HPV Chatbot
“To save lives and eliminate cervical cancer, UNICEF is helping to raise awareness of HPV and its vaccine among adolescents and young people through a new HPV Chatbot on its global U-Report platform,” said UNICEF Jamaica Representative, Olga Isaza.
Young people only need to send the words ‘HPV Chat’ to the U-Report number 876-838-4897 to access engaging content about the virus and the vaccine. They will learn about the risks of HPV and prevention methods. The Chatbot is like talking with a friend because of its conversational style and it makes learning easy and enjoyable. It was shaped by a group of young people who contributed to the narrative, characters, and style.
The Ministry and UNICEF will officially launch the HPV Chatbot at the HIV Adolescent Health Fair on Wednesday April 30 in Morant Bay at the Rudolph Elder Park and students from High Schools are expected to attend.
Health Ministry and UNICEF…2
“This year’s observance will feature a wide range of activities designed to reach the public at every level. Key national events include Church Services, Launch of the HPV Chatbot, HPV Vaccination Webinars and more than 130 vaccination sessions and other promotional activities in collaboration with the Region Health Authorities. The Ministry encourages the public to participate in these activities, learn more about the vaccines available, and take proactive steps to protect your health, and that of your family”, noted Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton.
Vaccination Week is observed to bring awareness to the fact that millions of children die every year from illnesses that are preventable and treatable. New and reemerging diseases like mpox, polio and measles are threatening the lives of children around the world.
##
About the Ministry of Health and Wellness
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) oversees Jamaica’s public health system. It leads the national effort to promote and protect the rights of every Jamaican to access healthcare services that support their optimal health and well-being.
For information about MOHW and its work in vaccination, visit: vaccination.moh.gov.jm
For more information, please contact:
- Stephen Davidson, Director, Public Relations & Communications, MOHW
Email: [email protected]; mobile: 876-770-4257
About UNICEF Jamaica
We support government and non-governmental partners to promote and fulfil the rights of children, especially the most disadvantaged. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
For information about UNICEF and its work, visit www.unicef.org/jamaica.
For more information, please contact:
- Donna-Marie Rowe, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Jamaica
Email: [email protected]; Mobile: 876-460-4725