The Ministry of Health (MOH) will launch three new vaccines for rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, and human papillomavirus (HPV) this year.

This was confirmed by the MOH Director General, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri during the official launch of the Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Leausa said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to fund three vaccines to eradicate rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, and HPV virus.

The HPV or human papillomavirus – which is a sexually transmitted infection – is a leading cause of cervical cancer with the Director General saying the vaccine will protect girls aged 15 and above. 

“There are plans by our ministry to add more vaccines like the Rotavirus vaccine - a vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children and there are so many cases of children that pass away from dehydration due to diarrhea and we also discovered that the virus can easily spread.

“We are expecting to add that within six months. Additionally, the pneumococcal disease which is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae - when these bacteria invade the lungs, they can cause pneumonia - this disease is also a great cause of many deaths for children," he added. 

Leausa said the vaccines can prevent diseases which cause cancer and the Minister has to continue its awareness. 

“But at the end of the day we continue to raise awareness and bringing the message home that vaccination is very vital for protecting the welfare of our children.

“We all are aware that there is not only one vaccine, there are a lot and all these vaccines play a significant role in protecting everyone from harmful diseases especially the children who are vulnerable to sickness and this is our best defense," she added.