The Ministry of Health has announced a new date for the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the national immunisation schedule.
The campaign was originally set to run between 2 and 13 June 2025. In a recent memorandum, Penda Ithindi, the Executive Director of the Ministry, stated that the vaccination campaign has now been postponed to the period from 30 June to 18 July. The change is intended to ensure that all necessary preparations are completed and that schools will have reopened after the holidays. The memorandum is addressed to Erastus Haitengela, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Youth, Sport and Innovation.
Ithindi emphasised that the HPV vaccination programme is primarily school-based, as most girls aged nine to 14 attend school. “However, the vaccine will also be administered at public health facilities and through mobile outreach for girls who are not attending school,” he said. “For this reason, a functioning school health and outreach programme is essential for a successful start to the vaccination campaign,” Ithindi added. He called on the Ministry of Education to cooperate in this important national initiative. Teachers, parents and caregivers must be informed about the importance of the vaccine and mobilised in support. All schools in the 14 regions are requested to identify girls aged nine to 14 – between 30 June and 18 July – and coordinate with local health authorities to ensure thorough planning and adequate resources.
The memorandum also notes that HPV infection is the most common viral infection of the genital tract. It occurs in sexually active women and men through contact with an infected person. The vaccine is primarily recommended for children and adolescents from the age of 9 up to 14, but can also be administered later, up to the 18th birthday. The vaccination consists of two or three doses, depending on age. “HPV infections are responsible for over 90% of anal and cervical cancers, around 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers,” the document concludes.
The campaign was originally set to run between 2 and 13 June 2025. In a recent memorandum, Penda Ithindi, the Executive Director of the Ministry, stated that the vaccination campaign has now been postponed to the period from 30 June to 18 July. The change is intended to ensure that all necessary preparations are completed and that schools will have reopened after the holidays. The memorandum is addressed to Erastus Haitengela, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Youth, Sport and Innovation.
Ithindi emphasised that the HPV vaccination programme is primarily school-based, as most girls aged nine to 14 attend school. “However, the vaccine will also be administered at public health facilities and through mobile outreach for girls who are not attending school,” he said. “For this reason, a functioning school health and outreach programme is essential for a successful start to the vaccination campaign,” Ithindi added. He called on the Ministry of Education to cooperate in this important national initiative. Teachers, parents and caregivers must be informed about the importance of the vaccine and mobilised in support. All schools in the 14 regions are requested to identify girls aged nine to 14 – between 30 June and 18 July – and coordinate with local health authorities to ensure thorough planning and adequate resources.
The memorandum also notes that HPV infection is the most common viral infection of the genital tract. It occurs in sexually active women and men through contact with an infected person. The vaccine is primarily recommended for children and adolescents from the age of 9 up to 14, but can also be administered later, up to the 18th birthday. The vaccination consists of two or three doses, depending on age. “HPV infections are responsible for over 90% of anal and cervical cancers, around 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers, and more than 60% of penile cancers,” the document concludes.
Popular on Aitsa
YouTube Video
More Stories
Copyright © 2025
Network Media
Hub
Network
Innovation Hub