Health policy can be defined as the plans, decisions, and actions that are executed with the aim of achieving stipulated health care goals within a given jurisdiction. A good health care policy should focus on establishing realizable targets that cover short term, medium term, and long term stints. The health care topic that I have chosen for which a policy can be formed is the perception of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Among all of the STIs, the HPV is most common in the United States. It is important to note that HPV also differs from other viruses such as the HSV (the Herpes) and the HIV.
According to the statistics, the HPV is so common that any sexually active individual is infected with it at some point in his or her life. Some of its symptoms include genital warts together with cancers. Vaccines are available that are used in controlling the spread of this disease. Therefore, there is a need for sensitizing the public on the importance of the HPV vaccine as one of the ways of preventing the spread of the HPV. However, the main hindrance to the success of the vaccine is the general perception of the public regarding its usage in the prevention and control of the disease.
The health care providers have revealed that the primary method of controlling the spread of the HPV is through vaccination. They have further recommended that both boys and girls of the age of twelve years should be receiving this vaccine. However, they have lamented about the general public perception regarding the HPV vaccine. Consequently, policy should be instituted to address the false perception of the HPV vaccine because it is the most effective method that is currently available in preventing the spread of this contagious disease.