-As It Climaxes 75th Anniversary Year-Long Celebrations on World Health Day
The World Health Organization (WHO) Office in Liberia has announced that, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, it is going to step up robustly the inoculation of young and teenaged girls with the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in order to prevent cervical cancer.
Making the disclosure on Tuesday, March 26, WHO Representative in Liberia, Dr. Clement Lugala Peter said the vaccine administration is going to be one of the aspects that climax the year-long celebration of the UN’s specialized agency’s 75th Anniversary, which began last year. And, it is also going to be one of four main activities for this year’s World Health Day activities in Liberia. He described the 75th anniversary as a “milestone” for them as an organization; adding: “A lot was done over those last 75 years, including combating some diseases and totally eradicating them.”
The HPV vaccine, which is expected to be administered to girls between the ages nine to 14, is aimed at preventing cervical cancer.
“You know the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of the key underling principles is leaving no one behind. And that’s exactly what it is equity and having essential health services,” the WHO Rep said.
According to the WHO, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally with around 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths in 2022. “The highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in low and middle-income countries. This reflects major inequities driven by lack of access to national HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment services and social and economic determinants.”
The WHO further states that the highest rate of this deadly cancer in women occurs in sub-Sahara Africa, including Liberia. So, the WHO has decided to have as many girls and young women vaccinated with the HPV vaccine during the celebrations of this year’s WHD.
“Cervical cancer can be prevented. There is a global strategy to address this cancer. It means that we would have to reach 90% of girls who are eligible here in Liberia. We are looking at adolescent girls and preventing them with HPV vaccine,” he stated.
Also, as part of this year’s WHD activities, Dr. Peter said they are going to have a dialogue with persons living with disabilities and a carry out a blood drive initiative.
This year’s celebration is going to be held under the global theme “My Health, My Right”. World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 annually; activities have been earmarked to begin from March 28 to April 8, 2024.
Speaking ahead of the Day, Dr. Peter said they are going to be addressing women’s health issues in Liberia. He highlighted access to screening, vaccination, and treatment for cervical cancer. He indicated that the WHO intends to reduce mortality rates among women.
The WHO Representative in Liberia used his media engagement to call on the government and partners to prioritize health equity, by ensuring that all individuals, especially those in low-resource settings, have access to quality healthcare.
He stated that on April 2nd, they are going to have a dialogue with persons living with disabilities through the Nation Commission on Disability. As part of that engagement, cane and glasses will be provided to persons living with disabilities, including the visually impaired.
On the next day, Dr. Peter disclosed that a one-day blood drive would be held at the Ministry of Health, where people will be encouraged to voluntarily come to donate blood. He also stated that their One UN House, another site will be setup there, too, for UN Staffs to donate blood to the national blood bank.
On April 4th, a Panel Discussion will be organized. It will be a talk among health workers, traditional practitioners, players in gender and internal affairs, and the media on the negative health impacts of FGM.
Then on Monday, April 8th, Liberia will join the world for the Commemoration of World Health Day, which will commence with a Health Walk from the Ministry of Health to the Ministerial Complex, followed by an indoor program, which will be graced by government officials, UN representatives, health partners, students, UN Staff, the media, and the general public.
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