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• decries high prevalence of cervical cancer in Nigeria
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday, in Abuja, flagged off the Papilloma Virus Vaccine for public use at a ceremony held at the State House Conference Centre.
This is even as she decried the high prevalence of cervical cancer in Nigeria.
She was speaking at the National launch of the introduction of the HPV Vaccine into the routine immunization schedule of the National Immunization Programe in Abuja.
She stressed that the initiative does not end with the introduction of the vaccine into the routine immunization schedule but there must be focus on education and awareness about the virus.
The First Lady said regular screenings must be encouraged and there must be improved access to healthcare with behavioral interventions as well.
“For me, I will recommend that girls who are under 18 years of age and sexually active, avail themselves the opportunity of this vaccine, to avoid a future of ill-health and possibly, death.
“In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the introduction of HPV vaccine into our routine immunization schedule is a significant step forward in our mission to protect the health and future of our nations womenfolk and it will lead to a structured and systematic way of achieving a cervical cancer free generation.”
Mrs. Tinubu noted that the initiative goes beyond preventing cervical cancer but also demonstrating the commitment of the administration of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to gender equity and empowering women to take control of their health.
The Papillomavirus is said to be the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and causes more than 95 percent of cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine is therefore designed for use by girls between ages 9-14 years, and it works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the human Papillomavirus. When a person receives the vaccine, their immune system recognizes the viral proteins in the vaccine and produces a response that provides protection against HPV infections.
In his remarks, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Mohammed Ali-Pate said the Nigerian government is serious about the wellbeing of its citizens, just as he tasked parents to ensure that their daughters get vaccinated against cervical cancer.
He assured that the HPV vaccine is safe as it has been tested in other parts of the world with tremendous results.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad III and the President, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Arch Bishop Daniel Okoh, in their separate submissions, pledged commitment to assist in the sensitisation towards the objective and need to embrace the vaccine by citizens.
They commended the authorities for introducing the vaccine, which, they said will save future generations of Nigerian girls and women.
The Country Director, World Health Organization, Dr Walter Mulombo noted that cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer that affects women thus, must be tackled.
He commended the Nigerian authorities for launching the HPV vaccine.
There were goodwill messages from UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation among others.
Highpoint of the event was the administration of the HPV vaccine to some Nigerian girls who graced the occasion.
Experts say cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally and the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria. It is estimated that 604,000 new cases with 342,000 deaths occurred globally in 2020, and an estimated 12,075 cases and 7968 deaths recorded in Nigeria.
This high burden of cervical cancer is attributed to several factors, including, poor access to HPV vaccination services, poor screening and treatment services, low awareness, and inadequate access to healthcare, especially in rural areas.
The introduction of HPV vaccines into the routine immunisation schedule in Nigeria is therefore an additional measure to complement the other strategies in line with the Global Strategy towards eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.
In the first phase of introduction of the vaccine, 15 States of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory will partake while others will join later.
