Aenias Emvula unpacks Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine already rolling out in schools with little parent consultation

[PODCAST]

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) announced recently that it will introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Namibia for the first time, as part of efforts to prevent cervical and other genital cancers.

Starting this year,  the HPV vaccine will be added to the country’s routine immunisation schedule, ensuring sustainable and nationwide protection for young girls.

As part of the first phase, the ministry will roll out school-based vaccination campaigns to reach as many eligible learners as possible.  However, lawmaker Aenias Emvula told parliament that there are reports that this vaccine has been rolled out in some schools already with limited parental consultation.