By NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGGS PEAK – The Ministry of Health has commenced the Primary School Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign across all four regions of Eswatini, targeting girls who have turned nine years old and those who missed previous doses to strengthen protection against cervical cancer.
The campaign is being conducted through visits by health practitioners to primary schools nationwide, with parents and guardians urged to complete and return consent forms to ensure eligible children receive the vaccine.
According to Ministry of Health Communications Officer Lombuso Dlamini, the ministry prepares a daily schedule outlining the schools health practitioners will visit the following day to administer the HPV vaccine.
Dlamini said the schedule helps communicate the vaccination programme to schools and parents as the campaign progresses across the country.
The ministry has appealed to parents and guardians to cooperate with schools and health practitioners by signing and returning consent forms sent home with learners. This will enable eligible girls to access the vaccine during the scheduled school visits.
Schools that are still awaiting vaccination visits have also been encouraged to ensure that all consent forms are completed and returned promptly to avoid children missing this important preventive health service.
PARENTS URGED TO ENSURE CHILDREN ARE VACCINATED
Meanwhile, parents whose children missed vaccination at schools that have already been visited by health practitioners have been advised to take them to the nearest health facility for the HPV vaccine.
The campaign aims to protect eligible girls against HPV infections that can cause cervical cancer later in life. HPV vaccination is an important preventive measure that reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer.
The initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Health, schools, parents and guardians in ensuring that eligible children receive timely protection.
Parents and guardians are therefore encouraged to remain attentive to communication from their children’s schools regarding vaccination dates and consent requirements.
The ministry’s message is clear: protecting children against preventable diseases requires collective responsibility, timely action and community participation.
Through cooperation between health practitioners, educators and families, the campaign seeks to expand access to HPV vaccination and strengthen efforts to prevent cervical cancer in Eswatini.
Protect our children. Prevent cervical cancer. Secure a healthier future.
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