By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has informed stakeholders in Kono District that starting 3rd October 2022, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation will roll out Mass immunization and vaccination campaign for Girls aged ten (10) to protect them against cervical cancer which is most often caused by a virus called Human papilloma virus (HPU).
According to the Ministry officials, starting 3rd October this year, primary school going girls aged ten (10) can get vaccinated for free at schools, health facilities and outreach centers by trained health workers.
The disclosure was made by Doctor Mohamed Sheku the medical district officer Kono during a stakeholders and partners engagement at the DHMT conference hall on Thursday 15th September 2022 in which key partners were invited including world vision, IRC, PIH, paramount chiefs, the two local councils, Street Child, focus -1000 and women representatives CFN, the media among others.
Doctor Mohamed G. Sheku pointed out that the engagement was to inform the stakeholders and partners who in turn will help prepare the mind-set of their respective communities for the fourth coming vaccination of girls age ten (10) against cervical cancer and to also prevent the many misconceptions among the general populace not to impede the process.
In other to get full protection he said a girl child will be given two doses of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPU) vaccine while the second dose should be given six (6) months after the first dose to protect girl’s health for a brighter future.