The Nigerian government says it will be introducing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine that will prevents cervical cancer when given to female children between the ages 9 to 15 years from the 25th of September 2023.
This was made known during the Bi-Annual Religious Leaders Review Meeting on Primary Health Care (PHC), organised by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate said the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is determined to change the narrative by making health affordable and accessible to all Nigerians.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Dr. Emmanuel Odu said Nigerian government will need the support of the faith community as they roll out the federal government agenda for the health of Nigerians.
“We will be relying upon your influence and support to build trust and enhance community ownership of all our health interventions, let me use this opportunity to commend the NPHCDA for initiating an interactive meeting like this, I look forward for such meeting in future,” he said.
Prof. Pate acknowledged and commended the significant contribution made by the faith community to healthcare delivery in the country.
The Minister emphasised the importance of the partnership between the government and the faith community, as the government alone cannot fulfil all healthcare needs.
He also highlights the constantly evolving nature of the medical field and the need for regular collaboration and updates among healthcare providers and religious leaders.
“By coming together, sharing knowledge, and staying informed about current developments, we can ensure that world-class and standard healthcare services are provided to Nigerians.”
He encouraged religious leaders and healthcare providers to continue working together in sharing their expertise and knowledge, in order to improve the quality of healthcare in the Nigeria.
In appreciating the role of religious leaders in championing vaccination through their different faiths, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA) Dr. Faisal Shuaib said, “Today, I implore you to join hands with us on a journey that holds profound significance for our nation’s future, the journey towards bolstering primary healthcare and holistic well-being.
“Our sacred duty as stewards of health and progress compels us to recognize that health is not just a medical issue; it is a profoundly spiritual one. The health of our people reflects the strength of our communities, the depth of our compassion, and the resilience of our nation,” he added.
Dr. Failsal noted that the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency is driven by a resolute vision: health for all, equitably accessible and sustainably maintained.
“We believe that a strong foundation of primary healthcare is the cornerstone of a prosperous society. In our endeavor to reach every corner of our nation, we acknowledge the pivotal role that you, esteemed religious leaders, play in this noble pursuit.
“In your roles as spiritual guides, you hold the power to influence hearts and minds. Your words carry weight and inspire action. Today, I urge you to join hands with the medical community in championing the cause of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
By encouraging HPV vaccination within your congregations, you become advocates of life and guardians of health. You help dispel myths and fears, fostering a culture of prevention and care. This step aligns with the teachings of compassion, protection and stewardship that your faiths emphasize. Consider the impact of our collective endorsement of HPV vaccination.
“We safeguard our youth’s future, allowing them to pursue dreams unburdened by health concerns. We uphold our duty to care for the vulnerable, ensuring equitable access to lifesaving interventions,” he added.
In his remark, the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA),and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said such forum allows the opportunity to challenge the government and tell them the truth but religious leaders need to be different from the government.
“Everybody knows the condition in this country, people keep crying on social media, there is hunger, when you talk of health, you have to talk of how to feed a common man, without food, no one can survive any health challenges, so governments must face this reality,” he said.
The President General NSCIA, explained that the forum will help to review all health issues, what should be done, and what has been done, why the successes and why failures then judge were possible.
Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III said where there is challenges, “We have to look for solution, I urged the NPHCDA to work hard because the more they work, the better the achievement.”
The National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh who was represented by Rev. Fr. Joseph Noenge said When there is a sensitization, example vaccines to be given, places of worship have been used for sensitization, for administering these vaccines, their places of worship have been in collaboration with government for a very long time now, especially for primary health care.
“With initiatives like this one that enhanced the collaboration and participation of religious leaders, we are optimistic that our improved healthcare will be made accessible to those who before now have been far from it, especially those in rural areas. So much has been done, and much still needs to be done for Nigerians to have the kind of health care that they truly deserve,” he said.
