Muscat –Ministry of Health (MoH) will introduce the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the National School Immunisation Programme, targeting sixth-grade students in public and private schools across Oman.
The move, which aligns with World Health Organization recommendations, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to prevent infectious diseases and reduce the long-term burden of cancer. HPV is one of the most common viral infections globally, linked to cervical cancer, cancers of the reproductive system in both women and men, and other related diseases.
To prepare for the rollout, the Directorate General of Health Services in Musandam organised a workshop on Wednesday to raise awareness about the vaccine’s benefits and train healthcare workers. Similar sessions will be held in other governorates to ensure smooth implementation.
Badr bin Saif al Rawahi, Acting Director General of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, described the introduction of the vaccine as a “strategic step towards enhancing public health and protecting future generations”. He noted that the programme will follow a phased plan designed in line with international best practices and national epidemiological data.
Training for health workers will focus on vaccine administration, maintenance of the cold chain, distribution procedures, and community awareness. “Equipping healthcare teams with the right skills and knowledge is essential to ensure safe delivery of the vaccine and build public confidence,” Rawahi said.
The decision to include the HPV vaccine was endorsed by the National Technical Committee for Vaccines and Serums after a comprehensive review of local infection rates and an assessment of the vaccine’s expected health and economic impact.
MoH confirmed that the campaign will be conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Officials stressed that strengthening school-based immunisation is key to safeguarding the health of young people and further consolidating Oman’s reputation as a regional leader in public health initiatives.