Lagos Govt Begins HPV Immunisation

 Lagos State government is set to flag off the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) immunisation programme for girls aged between nine and 14 years across the state.

The state government in a statement issued yesterday by the permanent secretary Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, revealed that the immunization exercise which commences today would be flagged off by the wife of Lagos State Governor Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat.

 Mustaf said Human Papillomavirus is sexually transmitted and is the causative agent of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases such as skin and genital warts.

The Nigeria Demographic and Health 2018 Report revealed that 19 percent of women who initiate sexual intercourse by the age of 15 years have increased risk of HPV infection.

The permanent secretary said schools and primary health centers have been earmarked as vaccination centers for wider and faster coverage, while soliciting the support of all stakeholders including parents, guardians, community and religious leaders to ensure all eligible girls are vaccinated during the campaign.

The HPV vaccination exercise is a nationwide campaign targeted at girls aged nine to 14 years, aimed at potentially preventing 71,000 deaths annually. The vaccination at an early age is highly important as it provides the best protection.

The government assured that routine immunisation services will also be available at the Primary Healthcare Centres across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of the State during the HPV vaccination campaign.