Qacha'sNek_In an effort to prevent cervical cancer, the District Health Management Team (DHMT) has today launched a two-week-long (February 05 to 16) Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign amongst girls and young women.

Cervical cancer has recently been declared eliminatable by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as it is caused by HPV virus. Prior to the campaign, roleplayers embarked on a week-long mobilisation of key stakeholders through health talks and public gatherings.

Speaking to the Agency, DHMT Environmental Health Focal Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Leader said the launch started in various schools today and it will make its way to villages during the week.

She said the targeted age group is nine to 24 years unlike in previous years when they ended at 14 years.

"The circumstances forced us to move from 14 to 24 years as these girls, particularly those living with HIV/AIDS are immune compromised," she said adding girls are going to be vaccinated once unlike before when they took two doses.

She said vaccination will be done within chosen villages and schools and girls who do not attend school are expected to go there.

Waterfall LECSA Primary School Principal Mrs. 'Matebello Tabola commended health officials for the gesture saying it will save children’s lives.

However, she said the expected health professionals arrived 30 minutes before school, inconveniencing children who live far from school. She said the targeted children in her school were 12 however, two were absent.

A nine-year-old pupil who was vaccinated said it was painful. "But I was told it will not last long," she said.

Qacha'sNek held a similar campaign around 2022 and 2023 and it was amongst the top four districts that did well in those two occasions looking at their target.

Cervical cancer is said to be the most common reproductive health cancer in Lesotho contributing to high morbidity and mortality in Basotho women.

In line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lesotho is expected to have vaccinated 90 percent of girls with HPV.

SOURCE: LENA