CITIZENS COMPASS —Lagos State Government would announce a new date for the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPVV) campaign which was scheduled to begin on Monday, September 25, 2023 for logistics reasons as informed by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH).
This was announced by the Commissioner for Health in Lagos, Prof. Akin Abayomi in a statement on Friday, September 22, 2023.
“The State Government regrets any inconveniences that may occur as a result of the postponement. As soon as a new date is communicated to Lagos, members of the public will be informed accordingly “, Abayomi noted.
Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases such as skin and vaginal warts. 19% of women initiate sexual intercourse by age 15 thereby increasing the risk of HPV infection (NDHS, report 2018).
Nigeria’s HPV vaccine introduction for girls of the targeted age 9 to 14 years will potentially prevent 71,000 deaths annually. HPV vaccination at an early age is highly important as it provides the best protection. The objective of the HPV vaccination is to give all eligible girls injectable HPV vaccine into the arm, for protection against cervical cancer.
Schools, churches, mosques, primary health centres, hospitals, outreach posts, markets, gated estates & other designated posts within the community have been earmarked as vaccination centres.
In view of this, we solicit with all parents, guardians’ community leaders, pastors, and imams to ensure that all eligible girls are vaccinated during the campaign.
Please note that routine immunization services will also be available at the Primary Healthcare Centres all over the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State during the HPV vaccination campaign.
The HPV vaccine is free, safe, highly effective and a life saver.
He called on residents to contact the Primary Health Care Department of their local government/local council development area or any Primary Health Centre close to them.
