Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
Parents and Caregivers have been advised to vaccinate their daughters against Human Papilloma Virus.
Imo State Commissioner for health, Dr Prosper Success, gave the advice during the sensitisation and flag off ceremony on the incorporation of the human Papilloma virus vaccination into the school health programme in Nigeria.
Dr Success noted that extensive research and global experiences had demonstrated the effectiveness of HPV vaccine in preventing any HPV related diseases.
He said that unlike other types of cancer, cervical cancer could be prevented by administering the HPV vaccine on girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years.
The Commissioner maintained that the programme was not just about implementation of the vaccine, but about building a healthier future for the children and empowering them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health and giving them the opportunity to reach their full potentials.
“The incorporation of the Human Papilloma Virus into the school health program marks a pivotal moment on our collective commitment to preventive health care. We are taking decisive action to protect our children from a virus that can lead to devastating health consequences later in life.”
Representing the Director General, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICRAT, Professor Usman Malami, Senior Scientific Officer of the institution, Dr Musa Mutiu, said that the event was necessary, considering the devastating effects of Human Papilloma Virus in the life of a woman.
Dr Mutiu disclosed that the school vaccination sensitisation programme would cover all secondary schools in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“Today’s programme is a testament to our commitment to deliver quality health care services to Nigeria, as an agency, NICRAT will continue to do everything humanly possible including training and retraining of all categories of healthcare workers, including the vaccination program to prevent our people from all forms of cancer related diseases.”
The state coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs Maria Ibeleme Onu, while delivering a lecture on the introduction and overview of HPV diseases, noted that HPV was the most common viral infection of the reproductive track and causes 95% cases of cervical cancer worldwide amongst women between 15-49 years.
Mrs Ibeleme said the virus could be gotten through multiple sexual partners, high sexual activities before 18 years, tobacco smoking, weak immune system and family history.
“HPV is an STI infection, most infections are asymptomatic, they clear in three months without any intervention. With about 90% clearing, within two years.
Although a small proportion may persist to precancerous levels and subsequently, cervical cancer.”
While debunking the myth and misconceptions that HPV causes infertility, paralysis and is a way of reducing population, the state coordinator said that the vaccination was free and available at healthcare centres in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, His Royal Highness, Eze Unegbu called on school owners to make HPV vaccination a prerequisite for gaining admission into secondary schools.
The programme was attended by representatives from ministries and health agencies, parents, teachers and students from different schools.
