…as UNICEF donates 321,413 doses of vaccine

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Over 539,072 girls between the ages of 9 and 14 are expected to be vaccinated in Benue State against Human Papilloma Virus, HPV.

The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Grace Wende who made this known in Makurdi during the launch of the HPV Vaccine introduction said the state would use 952 Teams of well trained Health workers across the 276 Council Wards of the State to carry out the vaccination exercise.

While noting the importance of the vaccine Mrs. Wende pointed out the health challenges posed by the virus saying “Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria. By vaccinating our girls against HPV, we are taking a significant step towards reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in our state. HPV vaccination is most effective when administered at a young age.

“By vaccinating our daughters today, we are safeguarding their future health and that of generations to come. Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women in underserved communities. This vaccination program aligns with our commitment to addressing health disparities and ensuring equal access to quality healthcare for all Benue State citizens.

“I urge parents and guardians to support this initiative by ensuring their eligible daughters receive the vaccine. Let us work together to protect our future generations from the threat of HPV-related diseases.”

Commending all partners and the Benue State government for ensuring the rollout of the exercise, the Executive Secretary assured that the Board was fully committed to providing the necessary guidance, and technical expertise to facilitate the successful rollout of the vaccine in the state.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Health Specialist, Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, represented by Mvumble Yusuf, VSL Benue State, noted that vaccines had continued to be the most effective public health remedy against vaccine-preventable diseases.

She said “Over the years HPV, has been a leading cause of cervical cancer among women, particularly in Africa where access to HPVV is seldom available. HPV Vaccine is a free, safe, and effective remedy to build immunity against human papiloma virus.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF has procured HPVV (Gardasil) which is a single dose vial to be administered to eligible 9-14years adolescent girls in the State. And a total of 321,413 doses have been distributed to the 23 LGAs of the State.”

She said UNICEF had supported the State in microplan development, social mobilization activities, engagement of HPVVI consultant, vaccine logistics, waste management and logistics support for maintenance and delivery of potent vaccines to communities. 

“Effective vaccine management procedure has been maintained all through the immunization supply chain down to the point of service. Hence HPVV is safe, potent and builds immunity among girls. I urge us all to support this campaign to have a successful implementation,” she said.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese urged all parents to make their children and wards available to be vaccinated.

The Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, represented by the Ter Gwer, Chief Dominic Akpe advised the people of the state to shun the misconceptions and myths about vaccines and present their children and wards for vaccination.

The World Health Organisation, WHO, Surveillance Officer for Benue State, Mrs. Ogechukwu Chigbo cautioned that “condoms do not provide full protection against HPV, as most people infected with the virus do not develop signs or symptoms and usually clear within a few months.

“Continued infection can progress to cervical cancer; this progression takes 20 years on average and tends to cause symptoms only after the cancer has reached an advanced stage.” She appealed to parents to ensure that their children and wards were vaccinated against the virus.

The Executive Director of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina represented by the Consultant Public Health Physician, Dr. Gabriel Adah informed that “vaccines are the most cost-effective strategy in combating vaccine-preventable diseases of which HPV infection is one.

“Therefore we urge all parents and caregivers to bring their children especially girls of 9-14 years to receive the vaccine. It will be available in all Primary Health Care facilities across the state free of charge.”

The Senior Analyst of Sydani Group, Mr. Ngobuna Stallone who noted that the HPV vaccine was important to prevent the spread of the cervical cancer assured that the group would ensure that every eligible girl in Benue state got vaccinated.

Governor Hyacinth Alia while flagging off the exercise assured of the state government’s commitment to the health and well-being of all Benue people.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Samuel Ode, the Governor commended all the partners for supporting the exercise stressing that the “momentous occasion signifies our unwavering dedication to the health of our citizens; particularly our young girls who are the future of this great state.

“The health and wellbeing of our people have also been at the forefront of our governance and we shall consistently strive to provide access to quality healthcare services for all our citizens.”