In an effort to reduce the burden caused by cervical cancer in Nigerian society, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Federal Government are targeting the vaccination of 90 percent of adolescent girls aged between 9 and 14 years against the Human Papilloma Virus by 2030.
This was disclosed by Oyo State Health Educator, Mr. Olarinde Olaoye, at a one-day HPV vaccine advocacy dialogue meeting with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) B Zone, held at Rolak Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, on Thursday.
Olarinde noted that the main goal of the vaccination round, which will take place in 21 states of the federation sometime in May, is to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer.
He explained that the age bracket being targeted in the exercise is the most vulnerable, hence the need to sensitize and create awareness on the importance for parents to make their children available for the vaccine.
Olarinde hinted that Nigeria has the highest rate of cervical cancer incidence in the world and advised women to undergo screening and get vaccinated against this dreadful disease.
He said, “The best prevention against Cervical Cancer is through vaccination. Those with Sexual Transmission Infections are exposed to cervical cancer.
“Nigeria introduced the single dose of the HPV vaccine in October 2023 in 15 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, in the first phase.
“The second phase will take place in 21 states of the federation by May 2024, while it will be introduced into routine immunization. By 2030, 90 percent of girls would have been fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the time they reach 15 years of age.
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“Seventy percent of women between the ages of 35 and 45 are expected to visit any clinic and get screened before going for the vaccine. We have 12,075 new cases of cervical cancer and 8,000 deaths annually in the country.”
Also speaking, the Social and Behavioral Change Specialist of UNICEF, Aderonke Akinola-Adewale, informed that the South West States recorded low participation in the first phase of the immunization.
She urged women journalists to be strong advocates for the eradication of HPV vaccines by leveraging their various channels and opportunities to increase HPV vaccine trust and uptake.
The Vice President of NAWOJ B Zone, Comrade Adeola Adekunle, appreciated UNICEF for putting the program together for women journalists in the Zone.
Cross-section of participants at the one-day HPV vaccine advocacy dialogue meeting with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) B Zone, held at Rolak Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, on Thursday.
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