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Health ministry commences with procurement of HPV vaccine

The Ministry of Health and Social Service has commenced the procurement process of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, with the hope of having it publicly introduced as a method to prevent cervical cancer.

Ministry executive director Ben Nangombe on Thursday said the procurement process is underway, and they are going through the necessary regulatory and compliance processes.

“We have identified the product to be used in Namibia and the procurement has also been initiated,” he said.

This comes after a specialist at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, Dr Ilona Sheehama, said Namibia has yet to publicly introduce the HPV vaccine in public hospitals, noting that its availability is currently limited to private hospitals and requires medical aid coverage.

Sheehama made the remarks during an informative talk on cervical cancer held at the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital on Thursday.

The vaccine protects against HPV, which can cause certain types of cancers.

It is recommended for both boys and girls, and is usually given as a series of two or three shots, Sheehama explained.

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