A Tongan nurse who survived cervical cancer has spoken publicly about her experience, saying she hopes her story will encourage more families to protect girls through vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer. Her account has been highlighted by UNICEF Pacific as part of efforts to raise awareness across the region.

Sela Tuitupou, who has worked as a nurse for nearly 20 years, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019. After undergoing treatment, she returned to the health sector determined to support Tonga’s fight against the disease by becoming involved in the Ministry of Health’s Vaccine Champions Programme, implemented with UNICEF.

Sela Tuitupou. Image UNICEF/: Mohammad Alamgir

Speaking about her experience, Ms Tuitupou said she wished she had received the HPV vaccine earlier in life and did not want other Tongan girls to face the same diagnosis. She now works with communities to raise awareness of cervical cancer prevention and the benefits of vaccination.

According to UNICEF, around 30% of eligible girls in Tonga had received the HPV vaccine by the end of 2023. Health authorities and development partners continue to encourage greater uptake, describing vaccination as one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. )

Tonga, like many Pacific island nations, faces challenges in delivering health services across dispersed islands and maintaining routine immunisation during natural disasters and other disruptions.

Community advocates such as Ms Tuitupou play an important role in building public confidence and ensuring families receive reliable health information.

Her story forms part of wider regional efforts to reduce preventable cancers and improve women’s health, with health officials continuing to encourage parents to seek accurate information and ensure eligible children receive recommended vaccinations.