Pathfinder International, in collaboration with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has sensitised residents of Nasarawa State on the importance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
The Nasarawa State Coordinator of Pathfinder International, Miss Fatima Maha, said the campaign was crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of cervical cancer and to encourage parents to ensure that girls from the age of nine receive the HPV vaccine.
“Human Papillomavirus has some strains that cause cervical, mouth, penile, throat, and anal cancers, and it manifests in different ways,” she stated.
She said the HPV vaccine was a crucial tool in preventing cervical cancer, noting that both girls and boys can take the vaccine.
“HPV vaccine helps to prevent against the strains that cause cervical cancer. Both girls, boys, and older women can take the vaccine, but older women must go for screening to certify that they do not have the virus,” Maha added.
She stressed the need for more awareness in the rural area in order for the women to have access to screening and having the vaccines.
“If you go to the rural communities, the numbers are quite low, a lot of them do not know about the HPV, Can they afford it? Been it that both the screening and the Vaccines are quite expensive “.
Maha therefore urged the government and well meaning individuals to assist in what ever way they can to help the women in the rural communities have access to both the screening and the Vaccines as well.
She also urged media personnel to spread the information about HPV and become ambassadors and change agents in their communities.
Speaking, Chairman of SWAN in the State, Comrade Smah George, expressed gratitude to Pathfinder International for collaborating with SWAN to address health issues affecting women emphasizing that the idea was to education Female Athletes,Women in Sports, NAWOJ and the SWAN members.
He commended Pathfinder International for their efforts to reduce cases of HPV in Nasarawa State and urged participants to use their platforms to educate people on the dangers of HPV.
“Aside the interest that we have in developing our women in the area of sports, there is a need for us to work towards addressing their health issues,” George added.
Also speaking, the NAWOJ chairperson in the State and HPV champion emphasised the importance of taking health seriously and disregarding myths and misconceptions about HPV vaccination.
Voice of Nigeria reports that the collaboration between SWAN, NAWOJ, and Pathfinder International is a step towards promoting public health and reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Nasarawa State.