PNG Education: HPV Vaccination for Girls Aged 9–14 to Begin in September

The Papua New Guinea Department of Education has announced that a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for girls aged 9 to 14 will begin in schools in September 2026, starting in the National Capital District and Central Province.

The programme is being introduced as part of efforts to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases among women in Papua New Guinea. The Department of Education said the initiative will be carried out in partnership with the Department of Health and other stakeholders.

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The announcement was made through Secretary’s Circular No. 30 of 2026, dated August 7, 2026, issued by Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra. The circular applies to education administrators, teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders across primary, secondary, vocational and Flexible Open and Distance Education institutions.

According to the circular, the vaccination programme will initially target girls aged 9 to 14 in schools across NCD and Central Province during September. Other provinces are expected to follow after the initial implementation in the two areas.

The Department said schools will provide an organised platform for reaching large numbers of adolescents in a structured and supervised environment. The programme will use a school-based delivery model intended to achieve broad coverage among the target age group.

However, vaccination will require written informed consent from parents or guardians. The Department of Education and health authorities will work with schools to distribute consent forms before vaccinations are administered.

The circular states that vaccinations will only be administered by trained and licensed health workers following standard clinical procedures and infection-prevention practices. School inspectors and teachers will assist with coordination and supervision.

Individual vaccination records are also to be kept securely and confidentially, while aggregate information will be provided to relevant health authorities for monitoring and evaluation.

The programme is also expected to promote equitable access for eligible girls, including those with disabilities and those living in remote or marginalised communities. Schools and communities will be involved in communicating information to parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders.

Education officials have been directed to disseminate the information and encourage female students to participate in the HPV vaccination programme as preparations begin for the September rollout.

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