UN calls for sustainable HPV vaccine roll out

THE United Nations has urged Government to integrate the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into routine sexual health service provision for sustainable eradication of cervical cancer in Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the official launch of the HPV vaccination programme roll out in Mutare last week, UN resident coordinator Mr Bishow Parajuli said a holistic approach to cervical cancer would ensure a higher impact of the vaccine.

“As we launch this vaccine, may I urge all of us to look at integrating the HPV vaccine into the routine sexual reproductive health and rights service provision to reach out to school girls for sustainability,” he said.

“For high impact, HPV vaccination should be part of a more holistic approach to cervical cancer control strategy that also include health education and safe sexual practises, screening of the early form of the cancer and treatment and care for those with advanced cancer.”

He said everyone has a role to play to ensure their relatives were vaccinated and contribute to a cancer-free generation.

HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and it causes cervical cancer in women.

According to official statistics, an estimated 2 270 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Zimbabwe annually with a mortality rate of 64 percent

Government will roll out the HPV vaccination programme in a week long campaign from May 14-18, 2018 in all schools which will see more than 800 000 girls aged between 10 and 14 years vaccinated against cervical cancer by May 2019. Thereafter, all grade five girls will be vaccinated annually.

“This is a milestone in the context of our continued efforts to strengthen and enhance the prevention, intervention in the fight against cervical cancer in Zimbabwe.

“The roll out of the HPV vaccine presents an opportunity for cervical cancer prevention in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Parajuli.

Globally, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women and over half a million women are diagnosed every year. Cervical cancer claims the lives of over 275 000 women annually.

“In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Therefore taking this initiative is an important step. The vaccine against HPV prevents over 95 percent of infection and generally the HPV vaccine is safe and well tested,” he said.

He said more than 70 countries globally more than 70 countries had introduced the HPV vaccine in their national immunisation programmes where millions of girls had been vaccinated without major or any side effects.

The World Health organisation recommends that vaccine be given to girls aged 9-14 years, the age group where the vaccine is most cost-effective.