The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike has said that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine which targets majorly to prevent Cervical cancer had been in existence as people had been receiving it at a cost.
“With the help of NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, and other Partners together with the Government, the HPV vaccine will now be received free of charge in all government and some private owned health facilities across the State.”
The Commissioner said this during a Media Chat on HPV vaccination in his office at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka.
He noted that the vaccination, which has been launched in the State by Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo was a Cervical cancer preventive strategy for girls aged nine to 14 years.
“It is assumed that this age category is not exposed to sexual activity which is one of the ways of getting infected with the HPV, thus the preventive strategy as we believe that prevention is better than cure.
“Vaccines are used in preventing a lot of diseases such as Polio, Measles, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Diarrhea, among others and the HPV vaccine is also one of such vaccines available.
“We urge our people, mothers/caregivers, Traditional Rulers, Religious leaders, CSOs, and all Stakeholders to encourage every girl child aged nine to 14 years to receive this vaccine and be registered.
“The HPV vaccine which gives 80 percent protection from Cervical cancer, has been proven to be very effective with almost no complications. However, if complications arises, medical professionals have been trained to handle it,” the Commissioner explained.
The WHO South East Zonal Coordinator, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu emphasized that the HPV vaccine was very safe and effective in preventing Cervical cancer, and all the girls who have received it were now protected against Cervical cancer.
He urged all Traditional Rulers, Religious leaders and all leaders of thought to encourage girls to take HPV vaccine to protect their future from Cervical cancer.
“It costs thousands to get a single shot of the HPV vaccine, but now with the aid of Government and Partner Agencies it is received free of charge.
“All rumours been peddled about the HPV vaccine are wrong information that is detrimental to the well-being and health of our people. It is our responsibility as Stakeholders and leaders in our communities to debunk these rumours with accurate/factual information.
“The factual information is that the HPV vaccination is safe, very effective in prevention of Cervical cancer and all girls aged nine to 14 years are encouraged to avail themselves of this opportunity to get this vaccination.
“The mortality rate of Cervical cancer diagnosis is high at 66 per cent. So it is in the interest of our girls and women within this cohort of nine to 14 years to be vaccinated with HPV vaccine that protects against Cervical cancer,” the WHO South East Zonal Coordinator said.
Present at the Media chat includes; the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA)- Pharm Chisom Uchem, Permanent Secretary, SMOH- Pharm Obiageli Uchebo, NPHCDA Anambra State Coordinator- Mr Obioha Agbakwuru, UNICEF VSL- Mr Stanley Osum and Gentlemen of the Press.
HPV Vaccine Not New, Sold At A Cost –Health Commissioner
