Health Ministry Defends HPV Vaccine Program Amid Church Position

Following the Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan’s statement on HPV vaccination in Catholic schools, officials from the Ministry of Health and Wellness moved quickly today to clarify the history and public health strategy behind the national HPV immunization campaign.

At a press conference held this morning, Dr. Natalia Largaespada Beer, Technical Advisor for Maternal and Child Health, explained that when the HPV vaccine was first introduced into Belize’s national immunization program in 2016, the Ministry had received approval from the senior leadership of the Catholic Diocese at the time.  Dr. Beer said the Ministry’s position remains centered on protecting children from preventable cancers caused by the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, which is linked to cervical cancer and several other forms of cancer affecting both women and men.

Dr. Beer also addressed concerns surrounding the school-based administration model, explaining that schools have traditionally been used as the most effective way to ensure broad vaccine coverage among children, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities. She noted that the approach is designed to improve access and increase protection rates nationwide.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by the Diocese, Dr. Beer emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to dialogue and collaboration. She says health officials intend to meet with representatives of the Catholic Church to discuss the matter further and determine the best path forward for parents and students.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says the HPV vaccine continues to be available through the public health system and maintains that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.