The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that the introduction of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Nigeria would aid in safeguarding girls from future grips of cervical cancer.
It noted that HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and causes more than 95 per cent of cases of cervical cancer.
A health specialist with the international organisation in Nigeria, Dr Ijeoma Agbo made this known at a two-day media engagement with the theme, “Combatting the Most Preventable Form of Deadly Cancer Affecting Women and Girls through Vaccination,” organised by the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with the UNICEF in Lagos.
She said UNICEF, which has a shared quest for a brighter future for the Nigerian girl-child, procured nearly 15 million HPV vaccines on behalf of the Government of Nigeria.
“The main goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer by providing HPV vaccine (HPVV) to girls aged 9-14 years. Nigeria is essential to prevent cervical cancer and reduce the burden of the disease.
“Vaccination against HPV has been shown to be effective in preventing persistent infections with high-risk HPV types, which are the primary cause of cervical cancer.
“HPV vaccination is to commence on May 27, 2024 in phase-2 states via fixed post and structured outreaches – schools, religious houses and markets. A five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will be carried out during the rollout. The vaccine will then be incorporated in routine immunization schedules within health facilities.
“This is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to lower the burden of cervical cancer which is one of the few cancers which can potentially be eliminated through vaccination.”
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