Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
33,509 girls aged between 9-11 years have been vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus since the vaccine was introduced on 27th May, 2013 on a demonstration basis in Chongwe,Kafue and Lusaka districts.
17,242 girls were vaccinated in the first round of the second cycle, while 15,267 were vaccinated in the second round.
Health Minister Dr. Joseph Kasonde in a speech read on his behalf by Director for Disease Surveillance, Dr. Elizabeth Chizima at the HPV media training workshop organised by the Churches Health Association of Zambia in Lusaka today says his ministry is now working on a proposal for a national wide roll out of the HPV vaccine which is expected to start in 2017.
Dr. Kasonde says the rolling out of the vaccine is a milestone in protecting women from cervical cancer.
He however, says the success of the programme depends on the support from all stakeholders.
Dr. Kasonde notes that the media has a comparative advantage in helping accelerate the reduction of the disease.
And CHAZ Executive Director Karen Sichinga says civil society organizations stand ready to help sensitize people on HPV related diseases.
She has urged the media to take a leading role in disseminating information on the HPV vaccine and how it can prevent cervical cancer.
And Loyce Mwale a cervical cancer survivor encouraged women to go for cervical cancer screening stating that prevention is better than cure.