Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The executive director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Ben Nangombe, has announced that the government is on the verge of introducing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in the public health sector.
The vaccine prevents HPV infections that may lead to cervical cancer.
A statement, released on Thursday, highlighted the ministry’s past achievements and future projects.
Nangombe stated that the ministry is collaborating with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to bring HPV vaccines to the country and is actively finalising an implementation plan.
‘’Most cases of cervical cancer in Namibia are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite a global shortage, MoHSS has worked to bring HPV vaccines to the country through UNICEF and is actively finalising an implementation plan. Additionally, a new Cobalt-60 cancer treatment unit has been installed and is undergoing final quality testing. This will allow Namibians from different parts of the country to receive highly specialised radiation therapy for specific types of cancer,’’ he said.
A World Health Organization (WHO) report from August of this year states that cervical cancer, Namibia’s second most common female cancer, is preventable through regular screening, HPV vaccination, and treatment for those who already have it.
According to the report, Namibia diagnoses 375 women with cervical cancer annually, and 214 of them pass away from the illness.
The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk HPV types (16 and 18), reducing the risk of cervical cancer and its precursors.
It is administered to girls between the ages of 9 and 14 and is currently only available in the sector for a fee.
According to the latest census by the Namibia Statistics Agency, there are about 180 000 girls in this age group in the country.
Earlier this year, MoHSS spokesperson Walter Kamaya said vaccination is a cost-effective way to prevent HPV-related diseases.
“It can lead to significant savings in healthcare costs by reducing the need for treatments, surgeries, and interventions related to cervical cancer and other HPV-associated conditions. Vaccination is most effective when administered before individuals become sexually active and are exposed to the virus. Early vaccination provides long-lasting protection,” he said.
He said the ministry plans to roll out an HPV vaccine campaign countrywide.
Nangombe also announced that the ministry has dramatically increased accessibility to renal dialysis across the country, and Namibians with end-stage kidney disease require specialised care in the dialysis unit, which was previously only available through private health facilities.
MoHSS opened a dialysis centre at Katutura Intermediate Hospital earlier this year.
“Construction of the dialysis unit at Keetmanshoop District Hospital is complete, with equipment procurement pending, while renovations continue at Rundu with efforts to expedite progress for timely completion. Dialysis facility contracts have been awarded for Walvis Bay, Katima Mulilo, and Otjiwarongo District Hospitals,’’ explained Nangombe.
Nangombe said more centres will open in 2025.
Until recently, dialysis services were only available in select public hospitals, including Windhoek Central as well as Oshakati and Rundu Intermediate Hospitals.
He further added that additional renovation efforts are ongoing to ensure that Namibian public facilities are well-maintained and meet the needs of community members.
Such as the renovation of the 7th floor of Katutura Intermediate Hospital which has been completed, and contracts are awarded for the renovation of the 6th floor.
The construction of a neonatal unit at Swakopmund District Hospital is progressing ahead of schedule, with 85% completion, and the procurement of equipment is underway.
