In eastern Venezuela, a medical clinic in the town of Putucual recently witnessed a group of 10 women and teenage girls seeking free contraceptives. However, during a session on contraceptive methods, it became evident that these women lacked knowledge about HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and the existence of HPV vaccines. The community health worker leading the session discovered that only one of the attendees had learned about HPV during middle school, while the others had only heard about it from friends and cousins, but never from their parents.

Venezuelan pediatricians have long recommended administering HPV vaccines to all children starting at the age of 9. However, the government has consistently failed to fulfill its promise of providing free shots, leaving parents to shoulder the responsibility of educating their children and paying for the vaccines at private clinics. This has become an inaccessible endeavor for most Venezuelans, considering that the average monthly earnings for private-sector workers amount to $202, while public employees earn a minimum wage of $3.60 plus a $100 bonus.

HPV infections are often asymptomatic and can resolve without treatment; nevertheless, some cases can result in genital warts, as well as cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, and throat. However, due to the lack of official healthcare statistics, it remains virtually impossible to determine the prevalence of HPV infection or the number of individuals who have received vaccinations, be it from private clinics or non-governmental organizations. The World Health Organization's estimates on HPV vaccine coverage hold a disheartening blank space for Venezuela, highlighting the absence of reliable data on the situation.

The absence of free HPV vaccines in Venezuela and the inadequate provision of sexual education in public schools pose significant risks to the well-being of youth and women in the country. The government's claims of prioritizing the health of these vulnerable groups ring hollow, as the burden falls on parents who struggle to afford the necessary vaccinations. Urgent action is needed to address this pressing issue and ensure that the young population of Venezuela receives the protection they deserve against HPV and its potential health complications.