By David Okeowo
In a bid to check and reduce cases of cervical cancer among Nigerian women, the Federal Government is to introduce a massive vaccination for
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), nationwide.
Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, announced this Monday at the bi-annual review meeting with religious and traditional leaders in Abuja.
Shuaib said that the HPV vaccine would become part of the routine immunization programme in Nigeria beginning from September 25th, 2023.
HPV vaccine assist to prevents cervical cancer in women and it’s administered on females between the ages 9 to 15 years.
The Executive Director said the HPV vaccination is not only a medical breakthrough, but is also a testament to global commitment in safeguarding the sanctity of life.
He solicited the support of the traditional and religious leaders in sensitizing the communities, particularly the targeted population to enable accept the vaccine for their own good.
“By encouraging HPV vaccination within your congregations, you become advocates of life and guardians of health. You help to dispel myths and fears, thus 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 would obviously 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 said.
Making reference to past medical successes achieved in Nigeria which include those on polio, COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases through the support and collaborations of the traditional and religious leaders, Shuaib stressed that Nigeria was able to eradicate polio simply because the involvement of the traditional and religious leaders in the sensitization and advocacy programmes.
“You possess the power to disseminate crucial information that can influence behavior, dispel myths, and encourage preventive practices. Your guidance can inspire individuals and families to seek timely medical attention, to embrace healthy lifestyles, and to embrace the concept that good health is a divine gift to be cherished”.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, in his remarks, appreciated the good works of the NPHCDA, the traditional and religious leaders, but reminded them that more effort is required to improve access to PHC services in Nigeria, particularly on the issue of immunization.
“Health is the best gift that someone can get because health is wealth. So, we must come together to fight a common enemy working against the health of our people. People listen and respect us hence we should leverage on that to pass the right messages.
“In addition to that, we need to tell our leaders the truth at all times otherwise they would plunge us into darkness. We should encourage and promote hope among our people.”
He challenged the government to look out for the welfare of the people, particularly the issues of good food and health because without the food, one cannot get good health.
President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a message read by his representative Rev. Fr. Joseph Nowenge, said that the church would remain committed to the cause of access to good and quality health particularly at the PHC which, he noted, is the foundation for health care services.
Minister of health, Prof. Ali Pate, also sent a message in which he reassured the traditional and religious leaders of his commitment to transforming the health sector, enabling more people have access to quality and affordable health care services.
