Singap Med J
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In Europe and North America, the majority of children with high-risk neuroblastoma survive the disease. Elsewhere, the treatment outcomes are poor. ⋯ Intensified medical and surgical treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma proved to be effective, with superior survival rates compared to previous data from Southeast Asia.
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Cervical cancer has a high disease burden in Singapore, and it is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Despite constant efforts to encourage vaccination, local HPV vaccine uptake remains low. Universal mass vaccination is a proven cost-effective method to reduce the cervical cancer disease burden. This paper reviews the newly implemented school-based HPV vaccination programme in Singapore and the factors that led to its success. ⋯ High HPV vaccine coverage was achieved after implementation of the school-based immunisation programme. Timely assessment of knowledge lapses and targeted intervention, strong partnerships with stakeholders, constant on-site adaptation and positive social influence contributed to its success. This model can be applied to future school health programmes.