Rivers
Rivers Begins 2nd Phase HPV Vaccination Today
The second phase of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination is billed to commence in Rivers State today, in all government-owned Primary Health Care facilities in the State.
Unlike the first phase, which took place across 16 states in Nigeria in October, 2023, the second phase will take place in 21 states and will run for five days.
In her address during a Stakeholders’ meeting, weekend, at Emohua council headquarters, the Medical Officer of Health, Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Amalaya Deborah, said “HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the genital areas of both men and women”.
According to her, while many HPV infection go away on their own, certain strains of the virus can lead to more serious health issues, one of which is the most concerning outcome of persistent HPV infection, which is cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer, she explained, affects women globally, saying that, “our nation carries a heavy burden of cervical cancer cases, impacting the lives of our mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives.
“Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer incidents in the world. This devastating disease not only affects the physical health of women, but also takes a toll on families, communities, and our society as a whole”.
Dr. Amalaya disclosed two modes or HPV transmission: through direct skin-to-skin contact, usually through sexual activity; and sexual intercourse, including virginal, anal, and oral sex.
In a recent presentation, the State Health Educator, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Diana Babbo, identified three protective and preventive measures for HPV.
“The best and most effective way to prevent HPV infection is through vaccination. Vaccines are available to protect against the most common and high-risk HPV strains that causes cancer and genital warts.
“The vaccine is typically recommended for pre-teens and young adults, ideally before they become sexually active.
“Nigeria has introduced a single dose HPV vaccine (Gardasil) into the routine immunization schedule to protect against the viral transmission “, she said.
Speaking to newsmen at the occasion, the Youth Programme Coordinator, Rivers of Hope and Humanitarian Initiative (ROHI), Abiola Taiwo, said, the main goal of the HPV vaccination is to reduce morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer by providing HPV vaccine to adolescents aged 9-14 years.
She explained that the event, christened “Rivers State Youths Vaccine Champion Big Event”, is being implemented by the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) and Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Women Advocate for Vaccine Access (WAVA), through a GAVI grant and executed by ROHI.
Taiwo, who stated that the target of the project is to vaccinate 95% of the people of Emohua within the given age bracket, called on parents and guardians to bring their children and wards to be vaccinated.
Sogbeba Dokubo