To increase the birth rate, authorities are considering the health of expectant mothers: schoolgirls will be vaccinated against a dangerous infection.
Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko saidNext year, girls aged 12 and 13 will be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) for free. In its advanced stages, this infection can lead to cervical cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer in women aged 15 to 44 (and the leading cause of cancer death in women).
Previously, free testing for human papillomavirus was available to women aged 21 to 49 and was part of the reproductive health screening program (check-ups every five years).
Doctors emphasize that earlier vaccination will reduce the risk of developing the disease and mortality, as well as preserve women's reproductive health and increase the birth rate.
In May last year, the Ministry of Health lowered The age of the first examination to assess the reproductive health of children is from 14 to 6 years.