VACCINE AWARENESS RAISING FOUNDATION AFRICA
HPV
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a diverse group of viruses that can cause warts, including genital warts, and, in severe cases, cancer. However, the majority of HPV types are harmless, often resolving on their own within months without symptoms. Sexually active individuals are more susceptible, with over half acquiring the infection at some point in their lives.
“Africa's Fight Against Cervical Cancer"
Sexually transmitted, HPV causes various genital and throat cancers, notably cervical cancer. Vaccination guards against key virus types, preventing around 5% of global cancers, including genital warts and laryngeal papillomas.
PEOPLE AT RISK
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Young people aged 16 to 25 are particularly affected.
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The frequency of HPV infections increases with the number of sexual partners.
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The risk of infection is highest at the beginning of sexual activity.
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Both men and women can get HPV and pass it on without knowing it.
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There is low and high-risk HPV. LR cause genital warts. HR cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis, anus, and throat.
SYMPTOMS OF HPV
HPV does not have any symptoms, so you may not know if you have it. It will likely only become apparent following a diagnosis with a HPV-related cancer, or genital warts.
GENITAL WARTS
Genital warts—also known as anogenital warts or condylomata acuminata—are raised lesions that develop on the skin and mucous membranes after infection with some types of HPV, a virus transmitted through contact during sexual activity.
Do you have genital warts, which is common in men? Then I would suggest HPV vaccination for you and your wife or girlfriend!!
HPV AND CANCER
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later.
MICHAEL DOUGLAS:
HPV CAUSED MY THROAT CANCER
In an interview with the Guardian, Michael Douglas revealed that his throat cancer was linked to a strain of HPV contracted through oral sex. Diagnosed in 2010, he underwent an eight-week regimen of chemotherapy and radiation, disclosing the HPV connection when asked about his past tobacco and alcohol use.
“Cervical cancer has continued to be one of the major causes of death among women, especially when detected at a later stage.”
"Cervical cancer elimination hinges on urgent action in three areas: vaccination, screening, and treatment. Prioritizing HPV vaccination for girls aged 9-14 is crucial, as these vaccines are safe, effective, and can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases."
CATHERINE KASAVULI DIES OF CERVICAL CANCER.
Veteran TV anchor Catherine Kasavuli, aged 60, passed away at Kenyatta National Hospital on December 29. She had been battling cervical cancer and was undergoing treatment since November 2022.
HPV VACCINES TARGET GROUP
Optimal protection against cervical cancer involves administering two injections over six months for both girls and boys before their 15th birthday, or three injections over six months for girls aged 15 and over. Administering the vaccine before sexual activity is key to preventing HPV infections. This vaccination aims to reduce pre-cancer surgeries, new cases, and deaths related to cervical cancer in women.
HPV VACCINES
There are three types of HPV vaccines. All three HPV vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18 that cause most HPV cancers. As of October 2019, 100 countries worldwide vaccinate against HPV as part of their regular vaccine schedule.
"HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90 percent of cervical cancers from ever developing by preventing the infections that cause those cancers."
