As part of efforts to curb cervical cancer, wife of Nasarawa Governor, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule has renewed calls for widespread participation in the state’s HPV vaccination campaign, particularly targeting girls aged 9 to 14.
The appeal came on Thursday at her office in Lafia, the state capital, shortly after she was honoured as the HPV Vaccination Super Champion by the Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy, in partnership with Pathfinder International, Nigeria.
Abdullahi-Sule highlighted that HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and that most females are exposed to the virus soon after becoming sexually active. She urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the vaccine to protect them from HPV-related illnesses, including cervical cancer.
“The HPV vaccine is safe, free, and effective. I commend the tireless efforts of the champions working across all 13 local government areas of the state and urge all stakeholders to help ensure children and wards access vaccination at our healthcare facilities”, she said.
In her remarks, Chairperson of the Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy, Mary Ashenanye, lauded the First Lady for her leadership and advocacy, noting that cooperation from schools, churches, and mosques has improved vaccination coverage across both urban and rural areas.
“Initially, there was some resistance due to low awareness, but consistent community engagement and the support of champions, led by Her Excellency, have significantly increased participation”, Ashenanye said.
Bayo Ewuola, Senior Media and Communications Officer at Pathfinder International, Nigeria, explained that the HPV vaccine protects not only against cervical cancer but also throat and other HPV-related cancers. He thanked the champions in all 13 LGAs for their dedication in mobilising communities for the vaccination campaign.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Iskilu Saleh, who was represented by the Director of Health Education and Social Mobilisation, assured the public that the vaccines are safe, effective, and readily available in healthcare centres across the state.
“The state has laid a strong foundation for HPV vaccination, and sustaining this progress requires continued engagement with communities and stakeholders, particularly the First Lady, who has been a driving force in health advocacy”, Saleh said.
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