BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – The UN agencies have committed to work together with the Ministry of Health in increasing the HPV vaccine uptake among girls aged nine to 14 years.
This was said by World Health Organisation (WHO) representative, Dr. Susan Tembo, when making her presentation during the presentation of over E30 million to the Ministry of Health by the Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunisations (GAVI).
Tembo announced that WHO, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) would work together with the Ministry of Health to sustain and achieve the national immunisation goals, and increase HPV vaccine uptake among girls aged nine to 14 years old.
Tembo stated that the government of Eswatini has demonstrated strong political will and commitment by procuring 100 percent of vaccines, including the HPV vaccine.
Tembo commended the Eswatini government for its leadership in introducing new vaccines, and its dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal No.3. Tembo further emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between the government and the international organisations to ensure the health of the people of Eswatini.
She stated that the introduction of the HPV vaccine was a key step in Eswatini’s efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in Eswatini and the region, and the vaccine has the potential to save many lives.
Tembo explained that the vaccine was an important part of a wider strategy to improve women’s health and reduce the burden of cervical cancer on the healthcare system.
The introduction of HPV vaccine is an important step towards Eswatini wider efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality in women from cervical cancer as you may be aware that cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women not only in Eswatini but also in the region and globally.
