- Vaccine prevents cervical cancer in women, youngsters – experts
From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The Borno State government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have launched the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer among women in the state.
Speaking at the launch of the vaccine in Maiduguri on Tuesday, WHO State Coordinator, Dr Salisu Audu, said the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer, the second most common cancer and cause of cancer deaths among women in Nigeria between the ages of 15 and 49.
“Cervical cancer, fueled by persistent infection with certain strains of HPV, has long been a silent and formidable adversary, claiming the lives of far too many women each year,” said Salisu, represented by Aisha Kadai, a WHO public health officer.
He said the world finally found hope in the preventive power of the HPV vaccine amid the challenge presented by the virus.
He disclosed that WHO recommends HPV vaccination as part of a comprehensive approach to the prevention of cervical cancer.
“This approach should include primary prevention (vaccination against HPV), secondary prevention (screening and treatment of precancerous lesions) and tertiary prevention (diagnosis and treatment of invasive cervical cancer),” he explained.
Borno State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Prof Baba Malam Gana, said the HPV vaccine remains a significant intervention to the health challenge.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Abubakar Hassan, he observed that many people may have concerns about the vaccine. He said the vaccine is safe, effective, and thoroughly tested.
He canvassed for increased education and awareness at the community level to clear all misconceptions about the HPV vaccine.
WHO, supported by the Borno government, is carrying out the free HPV vaccination with funding from Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity (CanGIVE).
