Most women rights activists have welcomed the implementation of the cancer prevention program in Zimbabwe, which is expected to benefit nine thousand young girls in Marondera and Beitbridge by year 2015.
They have also expressed hope that it would eventually be accessible to all girls throughout the country.
Officially launching the human papilloma virus vaccine Monday in Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge, Health Minister Dr. David Parirenyatwa said the high cervical cancer burden is fuelled by the ongoing HIV epidemic, and called on stakeholders to disseminate information to ensure the successful implementation of the program.
He added that 10 other African countries are currently implementing a similar program.
The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe’s Health Services Manager, Patience Nyemba, said her organization is happy the government is taking cervical cancer seriously and introducing programs that will save lives.