Africa-Press – Namibia.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services in the Erongo region is set to roll out the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign from 4 to 15 August 2025, aimed at girls aged 9 to 14.
This marks a major step forward in the region’s long-term cervical cancer prevention strategy, which also encompasses regular screening and public education.
The announcement came during a key stakeholder consultation in Swakopmund.
It brought together government officials, healthcare workers, educators, civil society representatives, religious leaders, parents and community members to coordinate the safe and efficient delivery of the life-saving vaccine.
During the consultation, Erongo health director Anna Jonas described cervical cancer as one of the leading causes of cancerrelated deaths in women worldwide.
She confirmed it as the second most common cancer in Namibia after breast cancer.
Jonas underscored the urgent need for prevention and early detection, noting that more than 50% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Namibia do not survive.
This highlights a critical need to improve access to screening and treatment.
Jonas affirmed the dual benefit of the initiative.
“HPV vaccination serves as a primary prevention method, while screening and treatment of precancerous conditions constitute a secondary prevention,” she said.
She stated that Namibia is aligning with the global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, intending to integrate the HPV vaccine into the national immunisation schedule following this initial rollout phase.
“We believe that the success of this vaccine has the potential to change and save lives around the country and within our region,” said Jonas.
Florian Donatus, chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, reflected on the campaign’s broader societal impact.
“This vaccination campaign will protect thousands of our young girls. Achieving this goal will require our continued collaboration, coordination and commitment at all levels,” he stated.
He said that this initiative serves not only as a vital health intervention but also as a sustainable investment in Namibia’s future.
Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with HPV, a virus which is sexually transmitted.
It is recommended that pre-teens be vaccinated against HPV before exposure.
Vaccinating against HPV greatly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
Throughout the campaign period, health teams will visit schools across urban and rural areas, sharing information and vaccinating eligible girls with parental consent.
Consent forms will be distributed to parents through the schools.
Outreach services and public education will also be extended to remote communities.
The campaign in Erongo precedes a broader national campaign to introduce free HPV vaccination across all 14 regions, a strategy recently reaffirmed at the national level to combat misinformation and promote vaccine acceptance.
As Erongo advances this pivotal initiative, regional leaders are calling on parents, educators and healthcare professionals to work hand in hand to ensure every eligible girl receives her vaccination and joins the global effort to eliminate cervical cancer.
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