Stakeholders laud increased sensitisation on HPV vaccination in Edo state

On Nov 6, 2023

Stakeholders in the health sector, have commended the level of sensitisation in the ongoing, as well as the planned second phase of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), vaccination in Edo state.

The stakeholders, including health experts, activists and government officials, spoke in a survey on the ongoing nationwide HPV vaccination.

They said the awareness would educate the public on the symptoms, preventive tips and case management of diseases in the country.

The HPV vaccine is the most effective vaccine, with an average success of 92 per cent in preventing cervical cancer, but its accessibility remains limited for millions worldwide.

According to WHO, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women in Nigeria and the second most frequent cancer death among women between 15 and 44 years of age.

Mrs Patricia Madurmedis, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), said that in spite of paucity of funds, the agency is participating in advocacy and sensitisation in every nook and cranny of the state.

She said, “NOA is participating right now, my officers in the LGA are trying their best to mobilise even without funds given to them.

“NOA has the requisite capacity to enlighten the target audience for the vaccination.”

In Edo, scheduled for the second phase of the first quarter of 2024, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), are calling for heightened awareness about the HPV vaccination.

According to the CSOs, awareness about the vaccine and and the vaccination is low in the state.

Mrs Agatha Osieke, the Executive Director, Women, Youths and Children Advancement Programme, called for continuous enlightenment through jingles on radio stations, churches, mosques and market places in all the LGAs in the state.

She said, “My view is that if it has positive health implications, then there should be massive sensitisation about it. I do not know much about the vaccine, but if it has been proven to be relevant, then there should be massive campaign.”

Dr Bright Oniovokukor, the Project Manager, Indomitable Youths Organisation, urged relevant stakeholders to amplify the need to reduce the burden of cervical cancer via acceptance of the HPV vaccine.

He said, HPV is a major virus identified as a causative factor for cervical cancer and early sexual debut has been discovered to be one of the risk factors in contacting the virus.

“Having multiple sexual partners and having a partner with multiple sexual partners are also risk factors for contacting HPV and higher chances of cervical cancer.

“Cervical cancer screening is for early detection of the cancer, but for the adolescent, there is the need for them to understand that prevention is better than cure.

“Taking this vaccine reduces the chances of getting cervical cancer in the future but the challenge is that the awareness is low.

“Parents, religious leaders, owners of schools, and guardians need to understand the essence of the vaccine to the girl-child.”

Mrs Elfrida Omogun, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency’s (EDSPHCDA) Immunisation Officer said that, Edo state will benefit from the second phase of the HPV vaccine that will be given to children between ages nine and 15.

“The HPV vaccine is to prevent our children from coming down with cervical cancer, which is now rampant in society.”

She, however, sought the collaboration of relevant organisations and individuals in the implementation of the agency’s health interventions for better outcomes, saying measles revaccination is ongoing in some wards in eight local government areas.

Mrs Irene Uabor, the Head, Health Education Unit, EDSPHCDA, had also expressed the state government’s readiness to increase sensitisation about the HPV vaccination in the 18 local government areas.

She stated that, “Edo is among the 21 states earmarked for the second phase of the HPV vaccination in the 36 states of Nigeria, including the FCT.”

Uabor, urged Edo residents to utilise Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) nearest to them for their basic health care needs.

She added that, “We want Edo residents to utilise our PHCs effectively. Our PHCs services are numerous; we do immunisation, nutrition, family planning and general family health.

“We want our stakeholders to be abreast with PHC activities and communicate the same to their different communities and associations.”