Nasarawa governor launches HPV vaccine into Extended programme on immunization

Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule has launched the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV), into the Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI) in the state.

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Speaking, Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, called on parents to avail their daughters of the vaccination.

The HPV vaccine which was launched at Government Sciences School Lafia was meant for use by girls between the ages of 9 and 14, for protection against cervical cancer.

He said that the vaccine is free and safe, and it is available in all medical facilities across the state to be administered to citizens.

He appreciates the Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the development partners for embarking on this all-important exercise.

“It is a demonstration of our continued partnership and indeed, collective efforts in our quest to protect our young girls against the prevalence of cervical cancer disease, As you’re all aware, is a serious, potentially fatal disease that affects 1000s of lives every year, especially females of productive age.

“However, it’s important to note Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, which can be controlled through routine human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV).

“It is for this reason we must utilize the opportunity as critical stakeholders to significantly reduce the prevalence of this disease to protect the lives of our citizens, particularly young girls between the ages of nine and 14,” Sule noted.

The state commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwanna, said that cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer that affects women thus, must be tackled.

“Cervical cancer globally accounts for a huge number of deaths and is the fourth among the cancers that kill women in the world.

“Back at home Nigeria is the second to breast cancer, most of the women that came down with cervical cancer are been associated with HPV, at times goes on there is now something that can slow down the virus, which can stop the infection of HPV.

“What we are doing here today is cost-effective, preventive, and safe so that we don’t have to wait for treatment or management when cancer has set it.
“Prevention is better than treatment and cure,” the commissioner stated.

He commended and congratulated Nigeria for attaining the feat of launching the HPV vaccine.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, of the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muhammed Usman Adis, commended the Nigerian government, and state government for introducing the vaccine, which will save future generations of Nigerian girls and women.

He further said that the vaccine has a 90 percent guarantee of protecting girls from cervical cancer.