WASHINGTON — Zimbabwe has been forced to shelf its cervical cancer vaccination program due to lack of funds.
Health Ministry officials told VOA Studio 7 that cash is needed to help acquire and distribute vaccines against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Health Minister Dr. Henry Madzorera said the ministry is currently applying to various donors for the necessary support to implement the program.
The program is part of the government’s efforts to vaccinate ordinary Zimbabweans against a variety of preventable killer diseases.
The virus is sexually acquired and can lead to infections and cervical cancer.
The HBV vaccination is given to young girls between the ages of 9 to 12 before they become sexually active. Women up to the age of 26 can also be given the vaccination – three doses over a period of six months.
The government recently also embarked on a major immunization campaign targeting young children under the age of five to prevent them from killer diseases such as measles.