Namibia will begin offering HPV vaccinations to girls aged 9 to 14 in July, as part of a comprehensive effort to tackle cervical cancer, a leading cause of death among women in the country.
Announced by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on World Health Day on Monday April 7, the initiative is designed to reduce the incidence of the disease and improve the long-term health of women. The vaccination campaign is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to enhance maternal and child health, which has seen notable progress in recent years.
In her speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the government’s commitment to improving healthcare for all citizens, with a focus on preventive measures and expanding public health coverage. This includes prioritising access to essential healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, and deploying more medical specialists to district hospitals. The administration is also fast-tracking the implementation of a universal health coverage law to ensure that all Namibians have access to quality healthcare services, particularly for women and children.
The president also addressed other public health challenges, including malaria, which continues to affect several regions in the country. Efforts to combat malaria will include ongoing prevention measures such as indoor spraying, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, and public education campaigns. Additionally, the recent confirmation of Namibia’s first cholera case in over a decade highlights the urgent need for improved sanitation and clean water access, underscoring the government’s multi-sectoral approach to health and hygiene.