HPV VACCINE SAVES LIVES

HPV VACCINE SAVES LIVES: Namibia’s health ministry is making the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine available at all public health facilities from 4 August for girls aged 9 to 14 years. All vaccinations are voluntary. The HPV vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. “Women should not die because they cannot access vaccines. Yet every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer. Barriers like costs, stigmas and a lack of access keep the life-saving vaccine out of reach for many, especially in low- and middle-income countries,” a Canadian health organisation warned recently.



Over 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV and are almost entirely preventable with the HPV vaccine. “When women and girls are protected, families, communities, and economies thrive. A healthy woman can care for her children, work and contribute to society. Families avoid the emotional and financial cost of losing a mother, daughter, sister or friend to a preventable infection.”



The ministry this week stated: “By offering the HPV vaccine to girls between the ages of 9 and 14, we are taking a powerful step to protect them from cervical cancer one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.



Let’s all play our part: support, encourage, and create opportunities for young girls to get vaccinated today, so we can prevent cancer tomorrow.”PHOTO: UNICEF