Placido Hilukilwa
THE date for the introduction of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine into the national routine immunisation schedule has been changed.
According to an announcement by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the envisaged roll-out, which was scheduled to take place between 2 and 13 June, has been shifted to between 30 June and 18 July. The change is meant to allow all necessary preparations to be in place.
The Health Ministry’s Executive Director, Penda Ithindi, said in a memorandum to the Ministry of Education that the HPV vaccination programme is primarily a school-based intervention, as most girls aged 9–14 are in school.
He said that the vaccine will also be administered at public health facilities as well as during outreach visits for out-of-school girls.
“For that reason,” he said, “an effective school health and outreach programme is key to ensuring a successful roll-out.”
Ithindi urged the Ministry of Education to cooperate with his ministry “in this crucial national undertaking,” to mobilise teachers, parents, and caregivers about the importance and need for the targeted girls to get vaccinated.
All schools in all fourteen regions are requested to register the targeted schoolgirls, who will be aged 9–14 between 30 June and 18 July, and to liaise with local health district authorities to facilitate proper planning and ensure adequate resource allocation during the roll-out phases.
Picture for illustrative purposes only.
