By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Anambra State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency and partners, Tuesday, performed the flag-off ceremony of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine Introduction into Routine Immunization (RI).
The ceremony, held at Michael Tansi Secondary School, Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, was also used to mark the Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrated on May 28 annually.
Performing the flag-off ceremony, wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, who distributed pads to young girls at the occasion, stated that the introduction of the HPV vaccine into routine immunisation is a crucial step towards reducing the burden of cervical cancer.
According to her,”cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with over 660,000 new cases and 35,000 deaths in 2022, with the highest rate of incidences and mortality occurring in low and middle income countries like ours.
“By vaccinating our young girls against HPV, we have the opportunity to prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases and save countless lives.
“This disease destroys the lives of these women taking them away from their families just as they reach the prime of their lives, leaving husbands without wives, children without mothers and families in financial ruins.
“Cervical cancer is going to become a thing of the past in Anambra State! With this Gardasil HPV vaccine, we will protect our girls and future leaders from this disease.
“In my capacity as the first lady of Anambra State, through the Healthy Living Initiative, we are already offering free cervical cancer screening and treatment at some health facilities in Anambra State to provide early detection, screening and treatment for the wives and daughters of Anambra.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the state government, who through the Ministry of Health and the Anambra State Primary Health care development Agency (ASPHCDA) and partners, WHO, UNICEF, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), IVAC and SAWO are supporting our efforts by taking our home-grown campaign of healthy living to the next level, ” Mrs Soludo said.
She urged ndị Anambra, especially parents, traditional rulers, teachers and religious leaders to fully support the young girls to get vaccinated.
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, in his remarks, stated that the vaccine costs N24,000, adding that the major beneficiaries of the vaccines would be those who cannot afford it.
He appreciated Mrs Soludo for initiating the process and finally launching the programme in the state.
Earlier in her address, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, assured that the vaccines are free, safe and effective.
She disclosed that after the flag-off, the vaccination would be continued at the Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs).
“HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract which causes more than 95 per cent of cases of cervical cancer.
“HPV vaccine will be provided in schools, within community and in health facilities over the next few days. Together, we can eliminate cervical cancer in Anambra State and Nigeria.”
While thanking Governor Soludo and his wife for prioritising the good health of the citizens, Pharm Uchem added that the flag off was used to create intensive awareness and sensitization on the need and importance of HPV vaccine which could lead to the abolishment of Cervical cancer in the future.
In his good will message, the Southeast Zonal Coordinator, World Health Organisation, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu appreciated the state government and urged parents, teachers , religious and traditional rulers to assist and support the young girls in combating cervical cancer.
He also stated that the introduction of HPV vaccine into routine immunisation is one the strategies to reduce the burden.
Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Health, Mr Anthony Muobike, promised firm support of the state assembly.
The principal of the host school, Rev. Sis. Rose Udoka appreciated the state government and the health partners for marking the event in the school.
