Health

Oyo Govt. Begins HPV vaccines for Girls

By Web News 502

By Olawale Asake

The Oyo State Government has launched the Human Papilloma virus, HPV, Vaccine and ready to be added into Routine Immunization, targeting girls from ages 9 to 14 across the State.

The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji made this known while speaking with Newsmen at the Secretariat, Ibadan.

Dr. Olatunji described cervical cancer as one of the most common forms of cancer that affects women, hence, the need to prevent it through vaccination.

The Executive Secretary advised women who had been sexually exposed to ensure they undergo regular cervical cancer screening to prevent the disease, saying, it is a preventable disease.

He maintained that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde was committed to providing quality health care delivery to its citizens, irrespective of where they are residing across the State.

Dr Olatunji commended the Federal and State Governments as well as Development Partners like World Health Organisation, WHO, and UNICEF for introducing the HPV vaccine and sensitizing people on the need to receive it, saying the vaccine would protect future generations of Nigerian girls and women against the danger of the disease.

He reassured residents of the State that the vaccine is safe, free and will be available in all primary healthcare facilities across the State in the next few days.

According to him, as against the rumours being pestering by some people, it became pertinent to restate that, the vaccine was not designed to reduce the population of the State, as some people have received it some years back and are doing well without any side effects 

” It is our continued partnership and indeed, collective efforts to protect young girls and women against the prevalence of cervical cancer disease which is a serious and second most fatal cancer that affects women especially females of productive age”.

Dr Olatunji added that, the Agency had trained and retrained those that would be administering the vaccine, which would be given on the Left Upper Arm left with measures put in place to reach every part of Oyo State. 

“We want to make sure no one is left out in this vaccination, for this reason we must utilize the opportunity as critical stakeholders to significantly reduce the prevalence of this disease to protect the lives of our citizens, particularly young girls between the ages of 9 and 14”.

“Though, we are starting from Schools but that does not mean that out of school girls within the ages would not benefit. We are going to find common places like markets, palaces or central areas for them to also partake in the exercise”

He further said that the vaccine has no consequences, but enjoined people to promptly visit Primary Health Care Centre around them if they noticed any reaction.

In a goodwill Message, the UNICEF SBC Consultant, Oyo State, Mr. Gbenga Olatunji pledged the continued support of the Organization to the immunization programme for the overall wellbeing of young girls and women in Oyo State.

Others at the event were Representatives of World Health Organisation, WHO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency while Oyo State Health Educator, Mr. Olaoye Olarinde and State Immunization Officer, Mrs Buzrat Adeoye also attended.

Health

FG Rolls Out HPV Vaccine Sept. 25

By Web News 388

The federal government has said it would introduce Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, vaccine on September 25, this year, to prevent cervical cancer when given to girls between the ages of nine and 15 years.

 To this end, he solicited the support of traditional and religious leaders across the country to join hands with the medical community in championing the cause of the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV vaccination.

“Revered Leaders, I want to use this auspicious occasion to bring to your attention the progress we are making towards preventing one of the deadliest diseases that affects our mothers, sisters and daughters: cervical cancer. This cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

“On the 25th of September this year, we will be introducing a vaccine, the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer when given to our daughters between the ages 9 to 15 years.

“In your roles as spiritual guides, you hold the power to influence hearts and minds. Your words carry weight and inspire action. Today, I urge you to join hands with the medical community in championing the cause of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination”, he said.

According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA boss, Dr Faisal Shuaib by encouraging HPV vaccination within their congregations, they (traditional and religious leaders)”become advocates of life and guardians of health.”

” You help dispel myths and fears, fostering a culture of prevention and care. This step aligns with the teachings of compassion, protection and stewardship that your faiths emphasize.

“Consider the impact of our collective endorsement of HPV vaccination. We safeguard our youth’s future, allowing them to pursue dreams unburdened by health concerns. We uphold our duty to care for the vulnerable, ensuring equitable access to lifesaving interventions”, he said.

Explaining that, “HPV vaccination is more than a medical breakthrough”, Dr Shuaib said: “It is a testament to our unity in safeguarding the sanctity of life.”

“As religious leaders, you possess the unique ability to inspire trust and bridge gaps in understanding. By spreading accurate information and advocating for vaccination, you empower individuals/families to make informed choices. Imagine the strength of our message when our faith communities unite behind this cause. By championing HPV vaccination, we send a powerful signal that our values extend beyond the spiritual realm – they encompass every facet of human existence, including health and well-being,” he said.

While appreciating the roles of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and His Eminence, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in promoting federal government’s vaccination efforts across the country, Dr Shuaib noted that:”They have consistently rallied religious leaders across the country, fostering support for primary healthcare programs and interventions.”

He added that “Our sacred duty as stewards of health and progress compels us to recognize that health is not just a medical issue; it is a profoundly spiritual one. The health of our people reflects the strength of our communities, the depth of our compassion, and the resilience of our nation.

“The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency is driven by a resolute vision: health for all, equitably accessible and sustainably maintained. We believe that a strong foundation of primary healthcare is the cornerstone of a prosperous society. In our endeavor to reach every corner of our nation, we acknowledge the pivotal role that you, esteemed religious leaders, play in this noble pursuit.

“You possess the power to disseminate crucial information that can influence behavior, dispel myths, and encourage preventive practices. Your guidance can inspire individuals and families to seek timely medical attention, to embrace healthy lifestyles, and to embrace the concept that good health is a divine gift to be cherished.”

While insisting that by encouraging HPV vaccination within congregations, the religious and royal fathers become advocates and guardians of health, Dr Shuaib said the such roles place them the opportunity of helping to dispel myths and fears, fostering a culture of prevention and care.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Health

Cervical Cancer: Five Thousand Ekiti Women to Enjoy Free Treatment

By Web News 713

Five thousand women in Ekiti State are to enjoy free cervical cancer tests and treatment to reduce the mortality rate.

The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi announced this in Ado Ekiti at the launch of a Cancer Control policy supported by the World Health Organization, WHO.

She observed that a lot of women are dying due to the inability to pay for treatment of such ailments hence the need for the government’s collaborative effort with developed partners to reduce the mortality rate among women.

“If you miss out from the first five thousand people that will be captured in the exercise, all it will cost you cannot be more than fifteen to twenty thousand naira which considerably not too expensive to safe one’s life”, the governor’s wife said.

Erelu Fayemi who noted that having unprotected sex and multiple sex partners remained one of the causative agents appealed to women to do away with such behaviour to prevent cervical cancer and other related diseases.

The governor’s wife, therefore, appealed to women to imbibe the culture of caring for their health and reminded them to go for medical attention at government health facilities.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani urged Nigerians to take their health seriously so as to reduce avoidable deaths.

In a lecture, a health care provider at the Cancer Designated Center, Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Mrs Funke Adeyoye said 8.5 per cent of women in the state who were under treatment for one ailment or the other were battling cervical cancer.

“It is an ailment that should be taken seriously because a lot of people are dying from the disease”, she said.

Mrs Adetoye urged women to come out for free tests and treatment as soon as the exercise commences, saying that people should be on the lookout as it would be announced.

The healthcare provider, who said the ailment could be treated at the early stage if detected, appreciated the government for providing a means by which people could access treatment without payment.

Ten Health facilities designated for the exercise are; Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti, State Specialist Hospital, Ijero-Ekiti, Comprehensive Hospital, Ijero Ekiti, Comprehensive Hospital, Okeiyinmin, Ado Ekiti, State Specialist Hospital, Aramoko, State Specialist Hospital, Otun, Comprehensive Hospital, Ilawe Ekiti, State Specialist Hospital, Ikere and State Specialist Hospital, Ikole Ekiti.

Busuyi Ogidiolu

Subscribe to our Telegram channel

Health

Fayemi Advocates Improved Health Care For Cancer Patients

By Web News 784

Mrs Erelu Fayemi who expressed sadness over how cancer affects women negatively maintained that it was expedient for every stakeholder to work together to disallow the ailment from thriving.

She noted that the government had concluded arrangements to raise awareness on the increasing indices of cervical cancer among women in the state and the nation at large, to mark World Cancer Day.

Speaking on the theme: ‘HPV Vaccination: Key to Cervical Cancer Prevention, Erelu Fayemi disclosed that cancer remained a leading course of 70 million death in 2020 globally

“Women accounts for 64 per cent of cancer cases in Ekiti with breast cancer being the most common followed by cervical while new cases of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria every year

The Governor’s wife added that Cervical Cancer could be prevented with HPV vaccination, regular Screening, early Detection among others could save lives.

“It has been 365 days since the launch of the Global Strategy to

Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer by the World Health Organization.

We commend the renewed commitment of all cervical cancer advocates in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health, international and indigenous partners to deliver on the stated objectives of this strategy by 2030: to achieve 90% HPV vaccination coverage. She emphasized.

The World Health Organization Representative in Ekiti, Mr Emmanuel Eyitayo, saluted the government for its commitment to eliminating the disease.

“To complement these efforts, screening and treatment are very key to eliminating the disease, we are gathered here to renew our commitment to eliminating the disease. He said.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, described cancer as the most preventable disease if ascertained early enough.

He said stakeholders were all aware of cases of cervical cancer as it was interesting that there are vaccines for it as well as existing State cancer policy that deals with the disease.

We have on our budget funding for cancer. We have a register to know the number of those who have cancer in Ekiti. I want to encourage every woman to be an advocate of cancer. Let us subject ourselves to relevant screening and also encourage others to do the same.

In their lectures, Mrs Olufunke Adetoye, Assistant Director, Nursing Service, Ministry of Health, and Dr Okusola Aduloju, said Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, could be contacted through a sexual relationship, which makes it expedient for people to stop engaging in multiple and unprotected sexes.

“We should also take the vaccine to stimulate and produce antibody. It can be given to girls from age 9-12. It can also be given to boys because they too can carry the virus”.

Busuyi Ogidiolu

Health

World Cancer Day: Oyo Govt. Organises Free Breast, Cervical Screening

By Web News 594

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun has called on womenfolk to enrol for breast and cervical screening as early as possible to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

She made the call at the free breast and cervical screening organised for women at Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan in commenmoration of the World Cancer day.

Mrs. Adeosun, who stated that recent reports in the media showed that breast cancer was responsible for high death rates among ladies and women, noted that it was imperative to intensify awareness in various communities for proper management of the disease.

The SSG admonished women to attach more importance to breast and cervical screening and feel free to ask questions from appropriate medical personnel in order to get adequate treatment as and when due .

Speaking earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bashir Bello, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Joke Sanni, said the test was done to ensure healthy living among residents of the state.

900 persons benefitted from the free breast and cervical screening which was put together by Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Oyo State Coalition Against Cancer.

Adebisi Iyabo