The free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme for women aged 18 begins today in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Malacca.

For other states, the programme is scheduled to begin next month.

NONE National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) director-general Aminah Abdul Rahman said the programme was organised with the aim to protect women against cervical cancer.

Under this programme, only those aged 18 will be vaccinated as the free vaccination for all Form One students had been implemented last year after the tabling of 2012 Budget, which saw an allocation of RM50 million for the purpose, she said.

HPV is the main cause for cervical cancer which is spread through sexual intercourse and the National Cancer Registry estimated that two to three new cases of cervical cancer were reported daily in 2007.

Aminah said women aged 18 were encouraged to get the free vaccination, which had been made available at 58 Nursejahtera clinics, as well as all health clinics in public institutions of higher learning.

She said this to reporters after the launch of the HPV Vaccination Programme for Women by Putrajaya Member of Parliament Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor in Putrajaya today.

Tengku Adnan in his speech said that the allocation of RM50 million for the programme proved the government’s concern and commitment for the well-being of all women in Malaysia, regardless of their race and religion.

- Bernama