By John Ikani
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has announced that cervical cancer could become the first cancer to be eliminated through vaccination.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Pfizer’s Medical Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Kodjo Soroh to commemorate World Immunisation Week.
Stressing the importance of investing in vaccine research and development, Soroh noted that “vaccines underpin our global health security by preventing and controlling over 30 infectious diseases, reducing unnecessary hospitalisations, and controlling infectious disease outbreaks.”
He continued, “Cervical cancer could become the first cancer to be eliminated,” adding that vaccines could also help in combating antimicrobial resistance by preventing bacterial and viral infections.
While canvassing for the channeling of resources to vaccines, Soroh explained that doing so would prevent people from contracting life-threatening illnesses.
He went on to highlight the importance of vaccines in protecting people of all ages, stating that “today, more than at any time in history, people are benefiting from safe and effective vaccines to prevent infections and diseases. These injections have protected people of all ages, from newborns to seniors.”
The Medical Director urged people to get vaccinated, stating that by doing so, they would not only protect themselves but also avoid spreading preventable diseases to others in their community.
He also called for the development and distribution of vaccines throughout the world, emphasizing the need to protect as many people as possible from life-threatening illnesses.
