HPV vaccine approved for Namibian teens

Government approved the procurement and introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer prevention and control as part of the national expanded programme on immunisation last week.The initial goal is to vaccinate 10% of girls aged nine to 14.The vaccination programme will be rolled out over a three-year period and aims to vaccinate 70% of the targeted population.Deadly but preventableCervical cancer is the second-most prevalent cancer among women in Namibia – especially those between the ages of 15 and 44.According to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), 2 461 cervical cancer cases were recorded between 2007 and 2017.In Namibia, an estimated 236 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and 135 die.Among those aware of the disease, low utilisation of screening tests has been reported.Health extensionThe extension of the programme was submitted to Cabinet by health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula.In the statement issued by information minister Peya Mushelenga, Cabinet initially approved vaccinating 10%, or about 40 000 girls between the ages of nine and 14.Mushelenga said Cabinet supported the procurement of the Gardasil vaccine through the United Nations International Children&#039;s Emergency Fund and authorised the health ministry to embark on a communication campaign to educate the public on the importance of HPV vaccines for cervical cancer prevention and control.Creating awarenessAccording to the CAN, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection with over 150 different types or strands.The HPV vaccine can be given to males and females as early as age nine.While HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, the disease does not develop for 10 or more years after the virus is contracted.Prevention is keyNamibian Sun spoke to Dr Laura Muzingwani, cervical cancer prevention lead physician at the International Training and Education Center for Health Namibia.Muzingwani said although cervical cancer has four stages, screening allows trained healthcare workers to identify abnormal precursor cells, which, if treated, would prevent the development of cervical cancer.She explained that the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls aged nine to 15 years old, is a primary prevention mechanism.She said the concern is that in lower and middle-income countries, most individuals don’t have access to the HPV vaccine within the public sector, with access being limited to those who can afford to pay for it in the private sector.tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

HPV vaccine approved for Namibian teens

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

Please login to leave a comment

HPV vaccine approved for Namibian teens

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

Please login to leave a comment

Login