Lagos State Launches HPV Vaccination Campaign for Girls 9-14 to Prevent 71,000 Annual Deaths
In a significant move to combat cervical cancer and other diseases caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and Development Partners, has launched a vaccination campaign targeting girls aged nine to 14. This initiative is part of the phase 1 state routine immunization in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Ibrahim A. Mustafa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, the introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls within the target age range has the potential to prevent approximately 71,000 deaths each year. Cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV, poses a significant threat to women’s health globally.
Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted disease that not only causes cervical cancer but also leads to other HPV-related conditions like skin and vaginal warts. Shockingly, 19 percent of women in Nigeria initiate sexual intercourse by the age of 15, putting them at a higher risk of HPV infection.
Administering the HPV vaccine at an early age is crucial as it provides optimal protection. The primary objective of this vaccination campaign is to ensure that all eligible girls receive the injectable HPV vaccine in their arm. Public health officials have made arrangements for girls aged nine to 14 to access the vaccine through various locations including schools, churches, mosques, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), hospitals, outreach posts, markets, gated estates, and other designated areas within the communities.
The campaign will run from Monday, November 25 to Saturday, November 30, starting at 7 am. Dr. Mustafa appeals to parents, guardians, community leaders, pastors, and imams to actively participate and ensure that all eligible girls are vaccinated during this important campaign. It is worth noting that Routine Immunization Services will also be available at the Primary Health Centres alongside the HPV vaccination.
This initiative by the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and Development Partners, marks a significant step forward in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. By providing access to the HPV vaccine to girls aged nine to 14, the hope is to reduce the alarming number of annual deaths caused by these diseases. It is a joint effort aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of young girls in Lagos State.
The launch of the HPV Vaccination Campaign in Lagos State has garnered support from various stakeholders. Experts believe that vaccinating girls against HPV at an early age is a vital preventive measure that can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. By raising awareness and providing easy accessibility to the vaccine, the campaign aims to protect girls from a disease that claims thousands of lives each year.
In conclusion, the Lagos State Government’s drive to introduce the HPV vaccine for girls aged nine to 14 is a commendable step in the fight against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. This vaccination campaign, carried out in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and Development Partners, has the potential to save thousands of lives annually. It is crucial for parents, guardians, and community leaders to actively support this initiative and ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccine. By working together, we can make a significant impact in reducing the burden of cervical cancer and promoting the health of young girls in Lagos State.
