The Lagos State Government will tomorrow launch the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) immunization programme for girls aged between 9 and 14 years in Lagos State.
A statement issued by the Permanent Secretary Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Ibrahim Mustafa states that, the immunization exercise which begins on Monday 30th October, 2023 will be launched by the First Lady of the state, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-olu at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat.
According to Dr. Mustafa, ” Human Papillomavirus is sexually transmitted, and it is the causative agent of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases such as skin and genital warts. 19% of women who initiate sexual intercourse by the age of 15 years have increased risk of HPV infection (NDHS, report 2018) “.
To this end, ” Schools and primary health centers have been earmarked as vaccination centers for wider and faster coverage “. He said
” The Permanent Secretary, who highlighted that the objective of the HPV vaccination is to give all eligible girls injectable HPV vaccine into the arm, for protection against cervical cancer , hereby solicit the support of stakeholders including parents, guardians, community and religious leaders to ensure all eligible girls are vaccinated during the campaign “.
Pointing out that the HPV vaccination exercise is a nationwide campaign targeted at girls aged 9 to 14 years, aimed at potentially preventing 71,000 deaths annually, the vaccination at an early age is highly important as it provides the best protection ” . Mustafa
He explained and I quote ” the routine immunization services will also be available at the Primary Healthcare Centers across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the State during the HPV vaccination campaign. The vaccine is free, safe and highly effective “.
It should be noted that the flag-off earlier scheduled to be held on the 25th of September, 2023 was postponed for logistics reasons as informed by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH).