Windhoek: Health officials have said the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is safe, after some parents expressed concerns since its introduction in August 2025. The issue was discussed at the Cervical Cancer Awareness Dialogue on Thursday in Windhoek, hosted by the Thrive Reproductive and Maternal Health Foundation. According to Namibia Press Agency, specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital, Dr Justine Ndali Mufenda, addressed misinformation circulating about the vaccine, such as claims that it causes sterility or targets Africans. Mufenda emphasized the vaccine's role as a lifesaving medication, highlighting its successful use in countries like Rwanda since 2011, which has contributed to a reduction in cervical cancer cases. Dr Mufenda reiterated that the vaccine is crucial for the protection of children, mothers, and women, stressing the importance of vaccination and screening in preventing cervical cancer. Rolf Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Associat ion of Namibia (CAN), echoed this sentiment, stating that no woman needs to die from cervical cancer and that prevention is achievable through vaccination. Hansen further clarified that the vaccine was developed and tested before the Covid-19 pandemic, and concerns about vaccines largely stem from the pandemic era. He pointed out Rwanda's progress towards eliminating cervical cancer as an example of effective vaccination efforts. Tuwilika Kamati, Senior Health Programme Officer at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, noted that while the vaccine has been available globally and in Namibia, it was previously limited to private facilities in the country. Now included in routine immunisation, Kamati urged that all eligible girls should receive the vaccine, citing cervical cancer as the second leading cause of death among women in Namibia. According to CAN, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Namibia, but it can be detected early and partially prevented through screening and vaccinat ion.