WHO, Borno Govt flag off HPV vaccination in Maiduguri
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Government in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) have flagged off the introduction of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) immunization for females between the age group of 9-14 years across the state especially in all schools and host communities.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the World Health Organization with funding from Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity (CanGIVE) supports the Borno state government in the HPV immunization exercise in the state .
Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Professor Malam Gana, while flagging off the immunization exercise at Shehu Garbai Secondary School Maiduguri urged parents to allow their children get immunized for prevention and protection measures.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Health and Human Services,, Dr. Abubakar Hassan , the commissioner commended WHO, UNICEF and other partners for their collaboration and support to the children and state government while acknowledging the unique contributions and supports of WHO and UNICEF on health matters across the state concerning children and women impressively.
Prof. Malam Gana assured of the state government continuous willingness to partner all the humanitarian and development partners in the overall interest of people population in line with the state government agenda on health.
He thanked the traditional rulers, community and religious leaders as well as school authorities for their support and cooperation in mobilizing and advocating for the introduction of the HPV immunization of girls between 9-14 years who are exposed and at infection stage of the cancer.
World Health Organization (WHO) Borno Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Salisu has asserted that infections with HPV are implicated in 99% of cervical cancer cases as introduction of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine in Borno state commences in the state.
He added that Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and cause of cancer death among women aged 15 – 49 years in Nigeria, pointing out that cervical cancer is fueled by persistent infection with certain strains of HPV, which has long been a silent and formidable adversary, claiming the lives of far too many women each year.
The Borno State WHO Coordinator said, “Yet, amidst the challenges, we find hope in the power of prevention through vaccination. Introduction of HPV vaccine represents a proactive and strategic approach towards preventing cervical cancer,”
“There is need to collectively create awareness about cervical cancer, its risk factors, preventive measures and available health services ensuring that communities are informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their health,”Dr. Ibrahim said.
Represented by Dr. Aisha Kadai, he said , WHO recommended that HPV vaccination should be part of a comprehensive approach to the prevention of cervical cancer, stressing that, 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).
According to him, the HPV vaccine serves 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.
“Therefore, by immunizing our young girls, we are not only safeguarding their health but also empowering them to lead fulfilling lives, free from the burden of this preventable disease.
“As a representative of the State Coordinator WHO, I am proud to be part of a collaborative effort that brings together government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, and international partners in the fight against cervical cancer.
“Together, we are working tirelessly to ensure equitable access to the HPV vaccine, reaching even the most underserved communities. However, our work does not end with the introduction of the vaccine.
“We must also prioritize education and awareness initiatives to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccination, Here’s to promoting wellness and saving lives through science and solidarity.
“Today to mark a significant milestone as we embark on the introduction of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine in Borno State. Infections with HPV are implicated in 99% of cervical cancer cases,” Dr. Ibrahim said
The UNICEF Chief of Borno Field Office, Phuong T. Nguyen, at the launch of the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine into Routine Immunization (RI) in Borno State, said:
“It is heartwarming that the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine that we are launching today offers a long-lasting protection for girls against certain cancers.”
” We are here honouring the rights of our girls to life and health. We are protecting our future leaders and mothers! We are saying no to vaccine-preventable disease and deaths! We are saving our own lives!
“I commend the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and his commitment to promoting sustainable approaches in improving the wellbeing of all Borno indigenes, an approach to realizing Universal Healthcare Coverage.
“Today, Borno State is securing the future of its future mothers and leaders and by extension, the future of its entire citizens. UNICEF recognizes childhood and adolescence as a time of tremendous opportunities for girls. At the same time, it a period of vulnerability that vanguards and duty bearers must urgently address.
“Today we are introducing the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in girls. Cervical cancer is the second common cancer affecting women in Nigeria and 95% of cases are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) globally and can also be transmitted through other means.
“While the state continues to invest and make health services available, there is a need to ensure all stakeholders at all levels are sensitized to mobilize individuals, households and communities for uptake and utilization of these health services.
” It is crucial for parents to realize the importance of the HPV vaccine and the protection it offers against this deadly disease – cervical cancer. The future of a nation depends so much on how healthy its girls and women are. Their wellbeing directly or indirectly impacts on newborn, infant and under 5 years mortality.
“Your excellency, it is time to further strengthen our collective partnership to mobilize for the common good and for us all to take advantage of this great opportunity.
“We must work with community leaders, traditional leaders, religious and other stakeholders to give our young girls (aged 9-14 years) protection against cervical cancer; it is well deserved. UNICEF remains committed to the protection of the rights of children and ensuring that they survive, thrive, and develop to reach their full potential. These, we aspire achieve in close partnership with state governments, the good people of Borno and supporting partners in the state,” Nguyen said
The Executive Secretary, Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Prof. Mohammed .Arab Alhaji represented by the Director, Disease Control & Immunization, BSPHCDB, Hajiya Fatima Ali, called on children between 9-14 years to immunize themselves against the dangerous disease .
He urged parents and guardians to avail their children to get immunized as a proactive and preventive vaccination against HPV while commending the organizers and collaborating partners like WHO, UNICEF and State Ministry of Health and Human Services .