04/03/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak
On March 2nd, inclusive policy recommendations on HPV were presented at the event.
On March 2nd, a significant event was held to present inclusive policy recommendations on HPV.
Human rights expert Defne Güzel from Kaos GL Association chaired the event. During the forum segment, various organizations, including the Young LGBTI+ Association, Lavender, Kapsama Alanı, as well as independent activists, presented comprehensive policy recommendations on HPV.
In her presentation, Güzel highlighted the influence of adequate living standards, employment opportunities, access to education, psychological well-being and prevailing state ideologies on health issues. She explained how the moral perspective surrounding HPV is intertwined with these ideologies. Güzel emphasized: “HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, yet this crucial information is often not addressed. HPV not only leads to cervical cancer, but also affects other areas such as the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, head and neck. However, discussions around HPV often succumb to moralistic viewpoints due to its status as the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide.”
“Vaccination is a viable means of stopping the transmission of infection”
Continuing her presentation, Güzel emphasized the importance of screening and vaccination, saying, “Turkey offers nine highly effective vaccines that provide significant protection. However, it's disheartening that these vaccines come at a cost. Vaccines should be freely available to all and included in the national immunization schedule. The cost of vaccination and screening pales in comparison to the financial burden of cancer treatment. Vaccination is a viable means of stopping the transmission of infection. Screening efforts are currently limited to cervical cancer, and advocated expanding them to include anal and oropharyngeal cancers. Universal access to screening and vaccination services is significant, and these preventive measures should be available to everyone.”
Güzel concluded his presentation by emphasizing the need to address HPV stigma within the LGBTI+ community and advocating for efforts to combat such stigma. Following the presentation, the event concluded with an open forum discussion.
Tags: human rights, health
