NPHCDA Commence Cervical Cancer Campaign For Girls Between 9-14 Years In Nasarawa State
Rabiu Omaku
The Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said it is set to commence the vaccination of female children between the ages of 9 and 14 against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) , known as cervical cancer.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Muhammed Usman Adis gave the disclosure at a one-day stakeholders meeting on the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) (cervical cancer) vaccine by the NAPHDA in partnership with CLITON Health Access Initiative, WHO, and HAPPI in Lafia.
He maintained that cervical cancer, which is a deadly disease, needs to be completely eradicated, he however applauded the Federal Government for providing the HPV vaccine, saying is timely while considering the increasing cases of the scourge.
Adis said it was a thing of Joy that the Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency , thought it wise to introduce the HPV vaccine in the country, saying the vaccine when administered, will stop the agony women experience as a result of cervical cancer.
Represented by the deputy director and programme manager, of Nasarawa state emergency routine immunisation coordination centre, of agency, Ayuba Ismaila Oko, the Executive secretary explained that Nasarawa state was one of the 16 states that will administer the first batch of the vaccine in the country.
He explained further that the exercise, which begins on September 25, 2023, will last for seven days, and the vaccine will last in the body for a lifetime.
He stated that the objective of the workshop range from identifying potential role and benefit of vaccine,It efficacy,To provide accurate information about HPV vaccine ,benefit, safety and the reason for it’s introduction and secure specific commitment.
He explained that it was expected that the outcome includes to understand the Cervical cancer burdens in Nasarawa State was meant to stop Human Papilloma Virus, reducing mortality and morbidity due to higher burden.
He said after the first batch of vaccinations, the exercise will be part of the usual routine vaccination.
While appreciating the president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the initiative, Adis also thanked the executive secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency,Dr Fa’sal Shuaib, who is an indigene of Nasarawa state, for including the State in the first batch of the exercise.
He advised the people of the state to avail their children between the ages of 9 and 14 to receive the vaccine and be protected from cervical cancer and for a healthy life.
The ES noted that HPV is dangerous in such a way that out of 10 females infected with the disease, only 2 might have a chance of survival, causing health unrest among people living with the disease.
On his part, Ezenwanne Christopher, the technical officer of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on HPV vaccine introduction in Nasarawa state, said the vaccine exercise was important owing to the fact that young females were exposed to the dangers of cervical cancer, hence the need for administration of the vaccine.
In a paper presentation, Oko, who was also a resource person at the stakeholders meeting, said that by 2030, 90 per cent of girls within the age bracket of 9-14 should be fully vaccinated.
The representative of Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria
The State Secretary of the Association, Halima Adole Yusuf commended the Federal,State Government and the development partners for the support.
Saying the ailment is worst amongst the womenfolk who ended up losing part of their body especially in the case of breast cancer.
Representative of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria ,Pharmacy Nwora decried the high rate of drugs in Nigeria markets.
“The cause of treatment of malaria today is beyond the reach of common Nigerians,While the cause of treatment of cervical cancer is at the tune of N24m for just a patient”.
Appealing to the people of Nasarawa State to avail themselves for the vaccination, he also appealed to them to shun incentives before availing themselves for vaccination.
Urging those in charge of the program to ensure that there is space for the diversion of drugs to patient pharmacy stores
Participants at the one day stakeholders meeting included the supervisory Councillors for health cut across the thirteen Local Governments,Nigerian Labour Congress, the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Others are members of the Jamatul Nasrul Islam,Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria and Members of the Fourth estate of the realm and the National Orientation Agency.
