According To Premium Times, WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that cervical cancer could be first cancer to be eliminated if 90% of girls are vaccinated against HPV. The Nigerian government has disclosed plans to introduce the lifesaving Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to protect teenage girls against cervical cancer and other related diseases. The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, made this known during the bi-annual review meeting of religious leaders on PHC Delivery in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Shuaib said the government will begin the rollout of the HPV vaccines on 25 September for girls between the ages of 9 and 15.

“This cervical cancer affecting our mothers, sisters and daughters is caused by HPV,”

He said.

“On 25 September this year, we will be introducing the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer when given to our daughters between 9 and 15 years.”

HPV and Cervical Cancer.
Cervical cancer, a type of cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix, is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Experts said in 2018 alone, it caused an estimated 311,000 deaths worldwide. Research by The Lancet also reveals that more than 44 million women globally stand to develop cervical cancer between 2020 and 2069. It also warned that deaths from cervical cancer will increase a further 50 per cent by 2040 and that many women, their families and communities will be impacted.

According to WHO, HPV types 16 and 18 cause at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cervical lesions.

“With initiatives like this, we are optimistic that improved healthcare will be made accessible to those who before now have been far from it, especially those in the rural areas.”

Says Daniel Okoh, The National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop.

#Clique what are your thoughts on this?