Conexão Sociedade: Entrevista com infectologista e diretora médica da MSD Brasil, Dra. Marina Della Negra

·11 min·1 clip

Dr. Marina Della Negra explains why vaccinating 13-year-olds against HPV is essential before sexual activity begins.

The episode begins with host Jéssica introducing Dr. Marina Della Negra to talk about HPV vaccination and a new detection method. Dr. Della Negra emphasizes vaccinating children aged 9-14 before sexual activity starts, as the vaccine is most effective pre-exposure and the immune response is better. She clarifies this does not encourage early sexual activity but prepares for future health protection. HPV is linked to 99% of cervical cancer cases, the leading cause of death for women up to 36 in Brazil. The discussion shifts to a new SUS method for HPV detection via DNA testing, which identifies the virus before cell changes occur, unlike the traditional Pap smear. Technical issues briefly interrupt the interview, but the host summarizes key points. Dr. Della Negra notes HPV also causes liver cancer, with 19 women dying daily in Brazil from it, transmitted through sexual contact. She stresses the free quadrivalent vaccine's availability in SUS, previously costly in private networks. The three-pillar approach to eliminating cervical cancer includes vaccination, tracing via the new test, and treating pre-cancerous lesions like through cauterization. Prevention methods like condoms are mentioned but noted as not 100% effective against HPV. Vaccination coverage disparities are addressed: 82% for girls aged 9-14 versus 67% for boys, attributed to cultural beliefs that HPV only affects women. Dr. Della Negra explains HPV causes various cancers beyond cervical, such as anal, penile, and head cancers, and that 80% of sexually active people encounter the virus. The episode concludes with reminders to vaccinate and use the free public health resources.

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