Human Papilloma Virus Vaccines Set for Roll out in Gombe.
By Fatima Sadiq
In a bid to substantially reduce cervical cancer rates, the Technical Working Committee on Advocacy, communication and Social Mobilisation, on the Implemention of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine in Gombe state has solicited partnership with the media as stakeholders for a successful roll out of the program in the state.
The vaccine is being provided for free by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.
Speaking during an Advocacy visit to Radio Nigeria jewel FM Gombe, the Technical Officer of the World Health Organization, WHO, Adamu Bello said, the 27th of May has been set aside for the vaccines to become a part of the regular immunisation schedule within healthcare facilities in the state.
Adamu Bello said the vaccine aims to target girls between the ages of 9 to 14 in the second phase of the vaccine introduction in 21 state including Gombe, Borno and Yobe states, he added that In the initial phase, it was carried out in 16 states including Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, and the federal capital territory.
According to him, the vaccine is not a new thing being available in commercial quantities but Nigeria government has secured it in large quantity to be given free during routine immunisation exercise so as to protect the most vulnerable in the society, thereby reducing the cause of management of the disease.
He called on parents to compliment government efforts by bringing their children to health care centres to he vaccinated
Also speaking, Dr Jibrin Umar Mohammad from the UNICEF said research has shown that cervical cancer is the major cause of death among women in African and Nigeria is inclusive.
He explained that according to scientific findings, the HVP is being caused by a virus, transmitted sexually, and that girls between the ages of 9 to 14 are not active, hence the need to protect them from the infections causing cervical cancer.
Dr Jibrin Umar, added that girls between those ages will receive a single dose of the vaccine which is highly effective during routine immunisation, instead of the 3 doses formerly being sold in some hospitals.
Responding, the General Manager, Radio Nigeria jewel FM Gombe, Dr Garba Ubale Danbatta, who was represented by the Head of Engineering, Engr Umar Doho said, when it comes to health, all hands most he on deck and the station will not be left out as part of it’s social cooperate responsibility, of giving accurate information to tye people.
