Nigeria’s Nasarawa State Launches HPV Vaccination Campaign to Combat Cervical Cancer
In an effort to reduce the alarming mortality rate of women in Nasarawa State, the Nigerian federal government has initiated a vaccination campaign targeting young girls aged nine to 14. The purpose of this initiative is to protect them against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is responsible for causing cervical cancer among women.
Cervical cancer is a significant health issue in Nigeria, with approximately 14,000 women being diagnosed and over 7,900 losing their lives to the disease each year. HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, predominantly transmitted through sexual contact. It usually infects individuals shortly after they become sexually active.
During a stakeholders’ engagement event in Lafia, Dr. Mohammed Usman Addis, the Executive Secretary of Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasized the importance of this vaccination campaign in eradicating cervical cancer across the state. Nasarawa State is one of 16 states selected to administer the first batch of the HPV vaccine, starting from September 25, 2023.
Dr. Mohammed expressed gratitude to the federal government for choosing Nasarawa State to participate in this crucial exercise. He acknowledged that the government’s efforts would significantly reduce the mortality rate among young girls and women within the state.
He further highlighted the positive impact of the HPV vaccine, stating, It is a thing of joy that the federal government, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, is introducing the HPV vaccine in the country. The administration of this vaccine will alleviate the suffering of women affected by cervical cancer.
Also present at the event, Ayuba Ismaila, Deputy Director of Immunisation and Programme Manager of the State Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordination Centre, assured the public about the safety of the vaccine. He stressed the importance of seizing this life-saving opportunity, as the vaccine has the capacity to protect females for a lifetime.
The representative from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ezenwanne Christopher, added that the vaccination campaign is crucial due to the high mortality rate caused by cervical cancer among young females in Nigeria. Out of every ten females affected by the disease, only two have a chance of survival. Christopher urged parents and guardians to ensure their children participate in the vaccination program once it commences across the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.
The engagement meeting witnessed the presence of various organizations and associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, Nigerian Labour Congress, Christian Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Journalists, and Muslim representatives.
By launching this HPV vaccination campaign, Nasarawa State aims to make significant progress in combating cervical cancer and protecting the lives of young girls and women. The program’s success will heavily rely on the participation and support of parents, guardians, and the broader community in ensuring every eligible girl receives the vaccine.
