The government of Peru launched a national vaccination campaign against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) on April 1, with President José María Balcázar and several ministers attending the event at Melitón Carvajal School.
This initiative is part of a broader public health policy focused on prevention. President Balcázar said, “Estamos convencidos de que no hay mejor política pública en materia de salud que la prevención.” He also confirmed the government’s commitment to continue investing in immunizations: “No vamos a cesar en este esfuerzo hasta culminar nuestro mandato constitucional, invirtiendo con decisión y con un presupuesto importante para garantizar el acceso a vacunas.”
Balcázar emphasized transparency in procurement processes by stating, “Estamos convocando a la Contraloría para que acompañe esta licitación internacional, garantizando un proceso transparente y sin irregularidades.” He called on families to participate actively: “Invocamos a los padres de familia a colaborar para que sus hijos se vacunen. Es importante también educar a los adolescentes, ya que la transmisión del virus afecta directamente a las mujeres. La vacunación es clave para proteger la salud de todos.”
Minister of Health Juan Carlos Velasco announced that the Ministry will secure a budget of 700 million soles for the national vaccination schedule during 2026. Velasco also reported that Peru will implement immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first time, targeting pregnant women with vaccines and newborns with monoclonal antibody nirsevimab to help reduce neonatal and maternal mortality. “El Perú está listo para anunciar un nuevo esquema de vacunación a la altura de lo que los ciudadanos exigen. Por primera vez iniciaremos con la protección contra el virus sincitial respiratorio… así contribuiremos a reducir la mortalidad neonatal y materna,” he said.
Velasco pointed out that HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer in Peru, affecting thirteen women daily and causing seven deaths each day. He highlighted that vaccination represents an important shift toward prevention.
The free HPV vaccination campaign aims to protect students aged nine to eighteen across all health centers in Peru. The event was attended by ministers from various sectors as part of an effort to ensure widespread support for public health initiatives.
