More education needed about HPV

Tanaka Mahanya

Y-ISHA Raphael, a young women’s health rights advocate, has called for extensive education for young women about the human papillomavirus (HPV).

She said that educating young women about the health risks of not being vaccinated, and the effects of the virus on the reproductive system of women, is crucial.

Raphael said healthcare providers should engage with parents and caregivers about what the HPV vaccine does for the female body, to break the barrier of uncertainty, from parents and guardians.

She called for campaigns stimulating conversations that educate young women on reproductive health using non-traditional media platforms and on-the-ground advocates.

Raphael emphasised that young men should also receive the HPV vaccine since they contribute significantly to HPV.

“We need to reach out to young women and people by breaking that barrier of uncertainty from parents and caregivers, as those who are uninformed and unaware about the dangers of HPV believe that the vaccine will only encourage promiscuity.

“There is still huge stigma from the community towards young women about conversations around sexual and reproductive health.

“More recently, there is also the issue of increased vaccine hesitancies since the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine, so that also contributes to reducing understanding and awareness.”

She added:

“There needs to be focus as well on the vaccinations of young men, as much as they are not severely affected by the virus as women are, they also contribute greatly to the HPV.

“Young men must be engaged in, and be included, in the vaccine rollout,” she said.