Story By DAUDA ILIYA
Borno State Government in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) have launched the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine targeting 447,126 girls between 9 to 14 years across the twenty seven local government areas of the state.
Flagging-off the campaign, Commissioner for Health and Human Services Professor Baba Malam Gana said the vaccination marks a pivotal step to safeguarding the health of young girls to secure a brighter and healthier future.
He remarked that the disease has claimed the lives of many women in the country and around the world, hence the introduction of the vaccine.
“By vaccinating our girls against HPV, we are not only protecting them from this deadly disease but also empowering them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives”.
The Commissioner assured that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective, and has been thoroughly tested and approved by health authorities worldwide.
The State Coordinator of WHO, Dr .Salisu Audu represented by Dr. Aisha Kadai said cervical cancer, fueled by persistent infection with certain strains of HPV, has long been a silent and formidable adversary, claiming the lives of many women each year.
He stressed the need to collectively create awareness about cervical cancer, its risk factors, preventive measures and available health services towards ensuring that communities are informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their health.
“WHO recommends that HPV vaccination should be part of a comprehensive approach to the prevention of cervical cancer .This approach should include primary prevention (vaccination against HPV), secondary prevention (screening and treatment of precancerous lesions) and tertiary prevention (diagnosis and treatment of invasive cervical cancer)”.
The Coordinator described HPV vaccine as a shield against the most common types of HPV responsible for cervical cancer, offering protection to individuals before they are exposed to the virus.
Cov/Dauda Iliya
