False beliefs and misinformation around the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are hampering progress in conquering cervical cancer.

These were some of the concerns raised by various speakers at a workshop on sexually transmitted infections (STI), hosted by Roche and the Cancer Association of Namibia in Windhoek.

Cervical cancer, also known as the "silent killer," remains among the top four cancers, second only to breast cancer in incidence among women in Namibia.

Research points to nearly all cases of cervical cancer being attributed to HPV infection.

Myths and misinformation around the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are hampering progress to conquer cervical cancer.

Despite progressive interventions such as Namibia approving the procurement of the HPV vaccine, Health Ministry Executive Director Ben Nangombe says anti-vax sentiments, such as population control, continue to fuel existing myths around the HPV vaccination.

This has contributed to the slow uptake of the vaccine, hence the need for stakeholder collaboration in educating communities and the readiness to deal with opposing views.