Allexer Namundjebo
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) member of parliament Eneas Emvula has raised concerns over the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, claiming it has already been distributed to certain schools without proper orientation or public education.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Emvula called on health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao to assure the public that parents can still decide whether their children receive the vaccine.
“A lot has been said in the outside world, especially in regional countries like Uganda, about the dangers of this vaccine,” Emvula said.
He claimed the vaccine could lead to long-term health problems for girls as they grow older.
Luvindao responded by denying that any school-based HPV vaccine campaign had started.
“The ministry has not yet started with the HPV vaccine campaigns,” she said.
She asked Emvula to provide the names of the schools he claimed had already begun vaccinations.
She said any such reports would be investigated with the ministry of education to ensure proper procedures are followed.
She also dismissed concerns about fertility issues.
“The HPV vaccine has been available in Namibia’s private sector since 2007 and has shown no such side effects,” she said.
Earlier this month, the ministry of health and social services confirmed that the HPV vaccine procured had arrived in Namibia.
Ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya previously stated that the vaccine will be introduced into public facilities once logistics are in place.
Former health executive director Ben Nangombe previously confirmed that procurement and regulatory processes were underway.
The ministry plans to roll out the vaccine to girls aged 9 to 14 through a school-based national campaign.
The rollout will begin with 10% coverage and expand to 70% over three years.
The HPV vaccine protects against several cancers and genital warts caused by the virus, which spreads mainly through sexual contact.
Cervical cancer remains one of the top causes of death among women in lower-income countries, including Namibia.
Dr Ilona Sheehama of Oshakati Intermediate Hospital said the vaccine is currently only accessible through private providers and requires medical aid.
The Ministry aims to procure the Gardasil vaccine through UNICEF. It has started working with parents, community leaders, and teachers to address vaccine hesitancy.
Studies from more than 100 countries show declines in HPV-related diseases after introducing the vaccine.
Namibia’s rollout will use a single-dose schedule, with extra doses planned for girls with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV.
Experts stress the need for early vaccinations before sexual activity and encourage parents to support the national program.
The World Health Organisation confirms the vaccine’s safety, reporting only minor side effects in rare cases.
The Ministry said trained health workers will administer the vaccine in schools and clinics, with safety protocols and monitoring in place.
Meanwhile, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has directed the Ministry to begin public education efforts as part of the vaccine rollout.
