PSGN Task Government, Stakeholders on the need to Eliminate Cervical Cancer.
Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
The Papillomavirus Society of Nigeria, Gombe State chapter PSGN, has tasked governments, religious leaders and the media to publicise the danger of cervical cancer and create more awareness for the people especially screening and testing of women.
These were the submissions of health experts and other stakeholders who spoke during the 2024 International Human Papilloma Virus Awareness Day, IHAD in Gombe State.
The theme for this year’s event is ” ONE LESS WORRY”
Speaking at the event, a Professor of Microbiology at the Gombe State University and the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Professor Muhammad Manga said International HPV Awareness Day (IHAD) is a global observance that focuses on raising awareness about HPV, a group of related viruses that can lead to various types of cancer and other health concerns.
The Professor of Microbiology said HPV, are the most common sexually transmitted infection and the cause of virtually all cervical cancer and also other cancers including anal, dental, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers.
He said the day underscores the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment of HPV-related conditions, emphasizing the role of vaccination in reducing the spread of the virus.
Also speaking, a consultant of Gynaecological Oncologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe Dr Halima Usman Farouk said about 80 per cent of people in the world are living with the virus.
She said girls aged between 9 and 14 years are eligible for the vaccine which is highly effective in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18 that are known to cause at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
While speaking on the topic” RELIGION AND IMMUNIZATION: PROSPECT AND CHALLENGES OF ELIMINATING CERVICAL CANCER IN NORTHER NIGERIA, A Professor of Islamic Studies Professor Rasheed Abdul-Ganiy called on Religious Leaders to preach to their followers on the importance of immunizing their children to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria and the world at large.
