Oyo govt. begins HPV vaccination

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

The Oyo State Government through the State Primary Health Care Board, on Monday, rolled out Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme to prevent cervical cancer in the state and Nigeria at large.

Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, Oyo Governor’s wife, while inaugurating the vaccination programme in Ibadan, said introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls aged nine to 14, was a testament to the government’s mission to improve health of young girls.

Makinde, represented by the Oyo Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Ajibola Lawal, reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria and providing girls with a healthier, brighter future.

She remarked that the HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer globally, and the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria.

According to her, cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in Nigeria.

She added that the burden had weighed heavily on the hearts of healthcare communities, hence the reason it should be viewed with a binocular of public health importance.

“We are introducing the HPV vaccine; a medical breakthrough that provides effective protection against the most harmful strains of the virus, the vaccine is proven to significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection.

“The decision to administer the HPV vaccine to girls aged nine to 14 is guided by sound scientific evidence, at this age, the vaccine is effective, providing a strong shield against the virus before any potential exposure.

“Oyo state government is investing heavily in the health sector because of the premium placed on health among its cardinal objectives, the primary health care sector is being revamped while strengthening the secondary health care services; not leaving the tertiary facilities in limbo,” she said.

Makinde urged Stakeholders to join to ensure that their daughters, granddaughters, sisters, cousins within the 9 to 14 ages received the HPV vaccine which would be provided in schools, within community and health facilities.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, also asserted that cervical cancer is a deadly disease that claims thousands of women’s lives globally and annually.

Ajetunmobi remarks that it’s however preventable while bringing the vaccination to routine one is a great commitment to safeguard the girls.

The Oyo State Health Commissioner commended the government and all health stakeholders for working tirelessly to make the inauguration of the vaccine a success.

“Let us continue to educate and create awareness of the vaccine among our people, it’s free and will help our girls to grow well,” she said.

Earlier, the Oyo State Primary Health Care Executive Secretary, Dr Muideen Babatunde, said the vaccination roll out started in 16 states last year while Oyo State is one of the states remaining in phase two of it.

“We learnt from the lessons of the first phase when there were rumours about the vaccination which we are trying to disabuse.

“The best way to counter cervical cancer is through vaccination. There will be five days of campaign and after the fifth day, which is Friday, it will become a routine vaccination in the state,” he said.

One of the children who took the vaccine, Miss Masturoh Olaniyan, said the vaccination was not painful and it was her first time of taking it.

The 14-year-old Olaniyan urged other children not to be afraid of taking the vaccine. (NAN)