Bauchi state sets to vaccinate girls against HPV, STIs

Bauchi State says it is set to vaccinate girls against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is among the many sexually transmitted infections and the most common, as part of measures to reduce the prevalence and burden of cervical cancer in the country. Part of the strategies put in place, is to target girls between the ages of nine and 14 years.

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However, the Bauchi Primary Health Care Development Agency has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) to develop activities towards supporting the move.

The TWG has medical experts, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and development partners as members.

Addressing the group in Bauchi, Executive Secretary of BASPHCDA, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, revealed that 16 states, including Bauchi, were selected nationwide for the first phase of the vaccination.

“The overall purpose of the TWG is to focus on coordination, introduction, and decision-making for the smooth introduction of the vaccine.

“The group will be responsible for mapping all relevant HPV stakeholders, monitor and track readiness of board, and track funding for the rollout of the vaccine,’’ he said.

In his presentation, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics of the agency, Dr. Jibreel Mohammed, said the vaccine was introduced to protect women from cervical cancer.

He said the HPV vaccine would be integrated into routine immunisation from 2024.

Dr. Mohammed also expressed concern about the prevalence of cancer among women and stressed that collective efforts must be made to reduce the burden by targeting young girls for the vaccine.

He however noted that the campaign would be taken to schools, health facilities and worship centres for easy access to beneficiaries.

Wumi/Punch