By Brendan Caver | GAIA VF Research Intern
The number of COVID-19 cases in Mali has surpassed 2,500 by Friday, July 24th. The rate of spread has slowed in comparison to March/April and many other countries around the world. Nevertheless, the world continues to anticipate a COVID-19 vaccine. As we are all well aware by now, a slowed rate of spread does not mean a return to life-as-usual.
In a recent report on OncLive, Dr. Markman comments on the approval of an HPV vaccine to specifically protect against oropharyngeal, head, and neck cancers in the United States. This is promising for a number of reasons. Like the existing HPV vaccine, this new vaccine has potential to prevent cancer cases and deaths. In coming years and after its initial implementation, it could hopefully be expanded to more communities around the world.
Despite this good news, Dr. Markman expresses cause for concern: growing anti-vaccine sentiment, lack of faith in vaccines, and worries about potential distribution. These same concerns, of course, apply to the future COVID-19 vaccine whenever it becomes available to humans. As empathetic global citizens and as people interested in science and public health, it is imperative that we circulate what information we can to encourage others who have access to take advantage of these opportunities.
At GAIA VF, we are continuing to educate about the current HPV vaccine and cervical cancer and continue distributing the vaccine when/where we can. The World Health Organization and UNICEF have already warned of declining vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are doing all we can to continue protecting people against HPV and cervical cancer, while taking current COVID-19 circumstances into account.
Your contribution will go a long way in terms of providing cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccines. During this stressful and unprecedented time, it is essential to not lose sight of our long-term goals, and for this very reason GAIA is staying firmly committed to HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa.
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