Respond Global, together with the medical ship Helper 1, has arrived in the Torres Islands this week with health teams from the Vanuatu National Hospital and Northern Provincial Hospital to roll out the HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 13.

The vaccination program began this week at Loh Health Centre, where the joint medical team is also providing free health services directly to the communities.

Registered Nurse Nipina Nathaniel from Sola Mini Hospital said turnout for the HPV vaccination was positive, with around 20 girls receiving their shots on Tuesday morning alone.

“I gave out HPV vaccines to about 20 girls aged 9 to 13 in the community, and also carried out deworming for over 70 children this morning,” Nurse Nathaniel said.

Midwife Sonia Luke from the Vanuatu National Hospital said the vaccine protects young girls against cervical cancer before they become exposed to risk factors later in life.

“We only vaccinate girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer. Their bodies are not yet exposed, so this is the right time to protect them,” she explained.

Local nurse aide Sandy Din from Loh Health Centre said she was grateful for the outreach, noting that access to health services in Torres is often difficult.

“It’s good that Helper 1 came — getting health services here is hard, so this helps our girls get vaccinated,” she said.

The HPV vaccination rollout in Torres will continue through to the end of this week.