The Ministry of Health plans to introduce HPV vaccination across all 47 counties to combat the rising instances of cervical cancer in the country.
Dr. Elias Melly, CEO of the National Cancer Institute, announced that the government would cover the cost of the vaccine.
He emphasized the need to dispel myths surrounding the vaccine and reassured the public of its safety.
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“Every year, 44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in our country, with 28,000 being women, predominantly affected by cervical cancer,” Dr. Melly stated.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the vaccine is recommended for girls aged 15, while women between 35 and 45 will undergo screening, with infected individuals receiving treatment.
Early detection through screening can prevent cervical cancer, Dr. Melly stressed, urging women to take the vaccination program seriously.
Annually, 3,600 women in the country are diagnosed with cervical cancer, resulting in a 67 percent mortality rate. Dr. Melly believes this can be mitigated through heightened awareness about screening and vaccination.
The Ministry of Health will train Community Health Promoters (CHP) to educate grassroots communities about cancer prevention.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).