By Fasilat Lawal
Vaccinating girls between ages 9 and 14 against the Human Papiloma Virus will help shield them from Cervical cancer.
Oyo State First Lady, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde stated this at the Flag off Ceremony of the Human Papilomavirus Virus Vaccination, HPV, in Oyo State held at Saint Paul Anglican Primary School, Iyanbule, Basorun Ibadan.
Represented by Wife of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mrs Ajibola Lawal, Mrs Makinde explained that HPV is the primary cause of Cervical Cancer and is the second most common cause of death among women in Nigeria.
She affirmed that the decision to administer the HPV Vaccine to the age bracket was guided by sound scientific evidence, pointed out that the Vaccine is most effective when administered early against the virus before any potential exposure.
Mrs Makinde said the proactive approach would ensure that young girls have a better chance and a healthy future.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwasherimi Ajetunmobi urged people to disregard any myths and misconceptions that the HPV Vaccine causes Infertility.
“Over 600,000 young girls would be vaccinated in Oyo State according to what they gave to Oyo State.”
“HPV vaccine is going to be part of our routine programme and it is going to be given to Children from nine years.”
” As time goes on if any of anyone is allergic to the products of the vaccine such children may not be given” she said.
Dr Ajetunmobi appealed to parents and guardians to ensure their young girls get vaccinated, stressing that safeguarding the health of the people is a priority of the state government
Also Speaking, A Health Specialist at UNICEF, Dr Ijeoma Agbo while commending Oyo State Government for measures put in place to ensure children at the grassroots get vaccinated, reiterated that the vaccine would be available at the primary health care centers across the state.
The Amira, Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria,Oyo State Chapter, Dr Lateefat Dahiro, who spoke through Alhaja Fawzeeya Adeleye described the exercise as a great achievement to the state and promised that the association would amplify their voice in educating people.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria, Two Students who were elated for getting vaccinated, said they were glad to be protected from HPV.
High point of the event was the administering of the HPV Vaccine to eligible young girls.
Present at the event were, Health Personnel, Traditional Rulers, Religious leaders, Market Women and Students.
In the Meantime, The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji has assured that out of School and the disabled children in Oyo State will be vaccinated against Human Papiloma Virus, HPV.
Dr Olatunji who made this known during a news briefing at Secretariat, Ibadan said no eligible young girls will be left out as hook and crannies areas will be visited to ensure they all benefit from the programme.
He said the infection could be contacted through sexual intercourse by having multiple partners and could affect both males and females but more pronounced in female because it prediposes them to Cerval Cancer.
Dr Olatunji emphasized the need for journalists to effectively sensitize people on efficacy of HPV Vaccine.
He noted that HPV vaccine was not newly introduced in the country, and those who have been vaccinated are healthy without complications, encourage women and men to visit Medical Health Facilities for Cancer Screening at least once in a year for precautions.
The Executive Secretary maintained that HPV Vaccines are safe to human body, enjoined parents and guardians whose wards have any symptoms after taken the HPV vaccines to visit any Primary Healthcare Center.
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