The launch of the cervical cancer vaccine was chaired by André Mama Fouda in Edéa yesterday. Little Mamudom Kouamou, aged 10 years, was the first student to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) infections under the auspices of the Minister of public health, André Mama Fouda, the administrative authorities of the Sanaga-Maritime.

A girl received a dose which will protect her now and forever against cancer of the cervix. The operation took place Wednesday, October 29 at Ecole publique d’Application in Edea, during the official ceremony marking the introduction of the HPV vaccine, under the high patronage of Chantal Biya, first lady of Cameroon.

According to the MOH, the introduction of the vaccine against HPV in Cameroon will contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality due to this form of cancer. For the moment, two health districts, Edéa and Foumban, were chosen to pilot this operation.

André Mama Fouda stressed the importance of these two phases of demonstration "that will allow the country to collect the data and the information needed to guide all future decision-making on the introduction at national level of the second phase.

Currently, two vaccines against HPV are used, they are very effective in the prevention of infection with HPV 16 and 18. Cameroon has opted for the use of Gardasil in the first place and as an alternative Cervarix.

The MOH has called for general mobilization of Parents, so that they will encourage young girls from 9 to 13 to be vaccinated against HPV.

Also involved in this outreach are officials from related sectors, associations, groups, media, staff health.

During this movement against HPV vaccination campaign, free testing of cancer of the cervix for women aged over 25 years was conducted in the two districts concerned.