MoHSS Initiates Procurement of HPV Vaccine for Public Use

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Windhoek: The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has begun the procurement process for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, aiming to introduce it publicly as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.



According to Namibia Press Agency, MoHSS Executive Director Ben Nangombe announced that the procurement process is in progress, with the ministry currently navigating the necessary regulatory and compliance steps. “We have identified the product to be used in Namibia and the procurement has also been initiated,” Nangombe stated.



This development follows comments from Dr. Ilona Sheehama, a specialist at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, who highlighted that Namibia has yet to introduce the HPV vaccine in public hospitals. Dr. Sheehama noted that the vaccine is currently available only in private hospitals and requires medical aid coverage. She made these remarks during an informative session on cervical cancer at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.



The HPV vaccine offers protection against certain types of cancer caused by the virus. It is recommended for both boys and girls and is typically administered as a series of two or three shots, as explained by Dr. Sheehama.