The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has initiated the procurement process for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, aiming to introduce it in public health facilities as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.
MoHSS Executive Director, Ben Nangombe, told Nampa that the ministry is progressing through the required regulatory and compliance steps.
"We have identified the product to be used in Namibia, and the procurement process has commenced," Nangombe said.
This follows remarks by Dr. Ilona Sheehama, a specialist at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, who noted that Namibia has yet to make the HPV vaccine available in public hospitals. Sheehama highlighted that, at present, access is restricted to private hospitals and requires medical aid coverage.
Sheehama spoke during an informative session on cervical cancer at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital on Thursday.
The HPV vaccine protects against the virus linked to cervical and other cancers. It is recommended for both boys and girls and is typically administered in two or three doses.