Cape Verde launched a double vaccination campaign against the Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B, the country’s Ministry of Health announced.
A woman gets vaccinated against a disease [Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters]
The campaigns were conducted in accordance with health regulations to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Cape Verde has reported more than 14,000 confirmed cases and more than 138 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.
The HPV vaccination campaign, which included girls aged 10 to 13 years, is geared to protect girls against cervical cancer, the deadliest cancer in Africa. Cervical cancer ranks as one of the leading causes of female cancer in Cape Verde.
Cervical cancer is caused by sexually acquired infection with certain types of HPV and is by far the most common HPV-related disease. Though deadly, can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.
Meanwhile, the Hepatitis B vaccination campaign is targeting health workers across the country.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.
The W.H.O. has classified it as a major health problem. It is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids.
Source: WHO Afro
