Table 1 Chronological events related to cervical cancer prevention policy in Thailand
Date | Important event |
|---|---|
1960s | Introduction of Pap smear as clinical examination in women who attended particular services in hospitals |
2000 | Instigation of VIA program as a pilot project for screening purposes |
2002 | Pap smear offered, as screening test, to entire female population between 35 and 60 years old |
2004 | Cervical cancer screening tests covered by national Universal Coverage scheme |
2006 | â– Launch of first HPV vaccine in the United States of America â– Distribution of first WHO policy and technical document concerning HPV vaccination to policymakers and health workers |
2007 | â– Two HPV vaccine products licensed for use in Thailand â– Consultations on cervical cancer control and HPV vaccination among WHO Member States in 6 regions including the South-east Asia and Western Pacific regional meeting in Thailand in April â– A study to identify an optimal strategy for cervical cancer prevention in Thailand was conducted by 2 research institutes under the MoPH, namely IHPP and HITAP. The preliminary results were disseminated in December |
2008 | ■The GAVI Alliance announced it would consider future support of new and underused vaccines to fight deadly disease in developing countries which included cervical cancer ■A Declaration made at the World Cancer Congress in Geneva in August called for action to ensure that HPV vaccines and other effective strategies to prevent cancer-causing infection were made widely available ■Changes in Thailand’s Prime Minister in January, September and December and many cabinet reshuffles ■IHPP-HITAP study report launched in August ■From August to December, the MoPH introduced a campaign to extend the coverage of its cervical cancer screening service: the ‘116-Day initiative’ |
2009 | â– Price for the two HPV vaccine products were reduced by the vaccine companies in February and April |