The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has encouraged parents and residents of the state to ensure that their female children and wards are vaccinated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for the protection of young girls from harmful HPV infection that can lead to various types of cancers, including cervical cancer.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu, who stated this at the flag-off ceremony on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) routine immunisation held at Surulere Local Government Area on Monday, noted that Lagos State is one of 16 States in Nigeria chosen to participate in the Phase I introduction of the HPV vaccine.
She opined that the introduction of the HPV vaccine is a testament to the tireless efforts of the present administration in fulfilling its THEMES Plus Agenda, just as she lauded Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s dedication towards improving public health and providing access to quality healthcare services.
The Governor’s wife noted that the Multi-Age Campaign style strategies will target teenage girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years in schools and communities, stressing that the introduction of the HPV vaccine is Lagos State’s latest initiative in prioritising the health and well-being of its citizens.
According to her, “The vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing cervical cancer, which affects thousands of women globally and by incorporating the HPV vaccine into the routine immunisation programme, Lagos State is taking a proactive approach to safeguard the health of its people”.
The First Lady dispelled the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine, explaining that extensive research and rigorous testing have been conducted to ensure the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu called on Lagosians to embrace the opportunity presented by the HPV vaccine to educate themselves on the benefits of immunisation, urging community, religious, and political leaders to support the initiative by mobilising their members to participate in the vaccination exercise.
The Permanent Secretary, Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, in his remarks, stated that the Human PapillomaVirus is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract that causes more than 95% of cervical cancer cases, the fourth most common cancer in women and the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria.
He said it was estimated that over 12,000 new cases and almost 8,000 deaths were recorded in Nigeria in 2020 alone, adding that the government Routine Immunisation services are rendered at various healthcare facilities and will run till December 2024.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman, Surulere Local Government, Hon. Bamidele Sulaiman Yusuf expressed optimism that the launch of the exercise will further protect young girls who will later become women and provide better for the people across the State.
The event had in attendance the Permanent Secretaries of the various Health Districts, some Chairmen of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, Top Government Functionaries, representatives of the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children Fund, and other development partners.
