Anita Ogona
The Rivers state government has flagged off the introduction of Human Papilloma virus (HPV) in line with it’s resolve to ensure that the scourge of cancer is nipped in the bud
Wife of the state governor, Lady Valerie Fubara advised parents, care givers and community leaders on the need to get their children vaccinated against human papilloma virus as common cure for cervical cancer
Lady Fubara who was represented by the commissioner of health, Dr Adaeze Oreh made this known at the official flag off ceremony of human papilloma virus vaccination for young girls between the ages of nine to fourteen years in Rivers State
she said the vaccine will reduce the morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer by ensuring that at least 80% of girls in the state and country are vaccinated and protected by the time we approach December of this year. she also noted that Rivers state amongst other state were billed to roll out the Vaccine in the second phase of the national HPV Vaccine campaigns from this Monday and subsequently after the one week long campaign the vaccine would be available across the primary healthcare centers
Dr Oreh who dismissed rumours making rounds on the safety of the vaccine has this to say; says the HPV Vaccine is highly effective and prevent from infections from human papillomavirus types that commonly cause cervical cancer and some other types of HPV related cancers like the cancer of the vulva and Vagina, genital warts in both male and female
Also speaking at the ceremony the executive secretary of Rivers state health care management board, prof. Kinikanwo Green harped on the importance of the vaccine for young girls. he said the HPV vaccine works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the human papillomavirus.
‘When a person receives the vaccines, their immune system recognizes the viral protein in the vaccine and produces a response that protects against HPV Infections’
Representative of the world health organisations Dr Victor Oris-Oyiri at the event thanked the Primary healthcare management board for their tireless efforts in the partnership and urged them to ensure that Ninety percent HPV Vaccine reaches the right targets
He said to address this growing menace cervical cancer the WHO targets that 90% of girls must be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus by the time they attain the age of 15 years, the aim of the HPV Vaccine in the country is to reduce morbidity and mortality rate
Our correspondent reports that the vaccine will be provided free in the 388 health facilities and community outreaches with more than a million girls expected to be vaccinated to get protected against cervical cancer
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