Namibia Expands HPV Vaccination Effort to Safeguard Girls Against Cervical Cancer

Namibia Expands HPV Vaccination Effort to Safeguard Girls Against Cervical Cancer. The Ministry of Health and Social Services has officially launched a nationwide initiative to make the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine accessible to girls aged 9 to 14 years, with strong backing from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Cancer Association of Namibia.

The campaign aims to protect young girls from HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer, a disease that continues to claim the lives of hundreds of women in Namibia annually. The vaccine will be available through the public health system, and while not mandatory, parents are encouraged to make informed decisions based on verified medical information.

Speaking on NBC’s Talk of the Nation, Health Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao emphasized the life-saving potential of the vaccine: “This is about saving lives—especially the lives of our young girls. Prevention is our most powerful tool.”

Dr. Luvindao stressed that the HPV vaccine has been safely available in Namibia’s private sector since 2007. She called on parents and guardians to seek facts, not fear: “We welcome all questions and encourage dialogue. The goal is shared—keeping our children safe.”

WHO Representative Dr. Richard Banda highlighted that the vaccine is globally recognized and has been administered to millions. He explained that the target age group was chosen to ensure protection before potential exposure to the virus.

Rolf Hansen of the Cancer Association warned of Namibia’s high cervical cancer rates and noted that most deaths occur in underserved areas. “This vaccine is a game-changer. No woman should die of a preventable disease,” he said.