Ministry of Health and Child Care has made significant strides in ensuring that Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is a key component of its integrated routine childhood immunisation program.
The program targets out-of-school girls from the age of 10 years and grade 5 girls in schools, aiming to protect them from the risk of cancer of the cervix caused by HPV.
Zimbabwe has a high burden of cervical cancer, ranking fourth in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in developing countries, with Zimbabwe being no exception.
The country has a high incidence rate of cervical cancer, with approximately 1,500 new cases reported annually.
The HPV vaccination program is a vital step in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe.
By vaccinating girls against HPV, the country is taking a proactive approach to preventing this type of cancer.
The vaccination program is designed to protect girls against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has integrated HPV vaccination into its routine childhood immunization program, making it easier for parents to access the vaccine.
As part of the program, local nurses are being capacitated to go into schools to vaccinate girls. This outreach program aims to reach out-of-school girls who may not have access to healthcare services.
The program has been designed to ensure that all girls are protected against HPV, regardless of their socio-economic status.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
