Group seeks Medicaid support for HPV elimination

The International Human Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) Nigeria Chapter has sought a partnership with the Medicaid Cancer Foundation to enhance its campaign for the elimination of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Nigeria. The President of the IPVS Nigeria Chapter, Prof. Mohammed Manga, made the appeal in Abuja on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Medicaid office.

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Manga explained that the IPVS Nigeria chapter is an affiliate of the International Human Papillomavirus Society, a global organisation committed to eradicating HPV-related diseases.

According to him, HPV is the leading cause of various types of cancer, and all well-meaning Nigerians must unite to eliminate this deadly virus.

He stated that the delegation had come to the Medicaid office to introduce the members of the Nigeria chapter to the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Zainab Bagudu, who is also a member of the international society.

The President added that the visit was also to invite Dr Bagudu as a special guest for International HPV Awareness Day, observed annually on 4th March.

“We are here to pay a courtesy visit to Her Excellency in different capacities and to introduce her to our group, which is part of the International Human Papillomavirus Society. We are also here to invite her as a special guest for our programme scheduled for March 4. Every year, this international society designates the day to raise awareness about HPV and its related diseases,” he said.

The president gave a similar introduction during another courtesy visit to the Executive Director/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina.

He informed Aina that they were at the agency to invite him to HPV Awareness Day and to commend the agency for its efforts in eliminating all forms of the virus.

Dr Maureen Umeakuawulu, Vice Chairman of IPVS Nigeria Chapter, stated that the society’s primary objective is to raise awareness about HPV infection.

She emphasised that HPV is a major cause of various forms of cancer.

“HPV is responsible for 99 per cent of cervical cancer cases, as well as other cancers such as sinus and vulvar cancer. Our main goal is to tackle these cancers at their root. We recently launched IPVS in Nigeria, and we are preparing to mark HPV Awareness Day on March 4. This day is set aside to discuss HPV, its prevention, and how we can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the virus. We visited the Medicaid Foundation because we recognise that its CEO is a senior cancer advocate who has made significant contributions to cancer prevention. We aim to campaign for HPV vaccination. Although Nigeria introduced HPV vaccination in October 2023, uptake has been low. We are experiencing a low vaccination rate in the field,” she stressed.

In response, Bagudu welcomed the partnership proposal, noting the urgent need for Nigeria to intensify its screening efforts.

She noted that while the country has many good ideas, these have yet to be effectively implemented. She urged well-meaning Nigerians to contribute their efforts to turn these ideas into action.

“I am not concerned about the misinformation surrounding vaccination. We must focus on making an impact and getting the work done. Screening is an urgent task that must be addressed, and we need to establish strong advocacy for it,” Bagudu stressed.

Dr Muyi Aina noted that cervical cancer remains a critical issue, with thousands of women diagnosed with the disease.

He stated that cervical cancer is among the priority cancers the agency is working to prevent.

He explained that the launch of the HPV vaccine was one of the agency’s key steps in combating cervical cancer, and so far, 13 million Nigerians have been vaccinated.

Aina added that the agency is currently in the second phase of the project, which involves raising awareness and integrating HPV vaccination into routine healthcare services to further combat the disease.

“We are now focused on strengthening our healthcare system. Our goal is to enhance 8,000 government healthcare facilities across the country,” he said.

NAN/Wumi