Lagos State Announces Free HPV Vaccination for Pre-Teen Girls

Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) has announced the first phase of free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls between nine to 14 years in the state.

The LSPHCB, at a one-day media orientation campaign, where government and stakeholders discussed the importance of the vaccine, urged parents to give their consent for their wards to get vaccinated.

The first phase of the free vaccination, which will be rolled out from September 25 to 30, for pre-teen girls, will be carried out in 16 states in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, Nasarawa, Kano, Jigawa, Enugu, Abia, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Osun, and Ogun states. Following the first phase, in the first half of 2024, 21 states in Nigeria will roll out more vaccines.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Director, Health Education and Health Promotion Services, Mrs. Clara M. Owojuyigbe, said it was imperative for the Gardasil vaccines to start being used in Nigeria to prevent the disease from being as endemic as it currently is in the country.

"The vaccine is a preventive measure against HPV infection and it will help to ensure that our young girls are protected before they become sexually active."

She urged parents and guardians to take the benevolence gesture of the government to bring their young girls for vaccination with Gardasil vaccine, which has an efficacy rate of 95 per cent and has been used in other countries of the world.

The importance of this vaccine to our young girls cannot be overemphasized. About 70,000 new cases of HPV are recorded annually and, with the rollout of the vaccine, approximately 17,000 deaths will be prevented.

"We are appealing to parents, religious leaders, and community leaders to bring their children and wards to get vaccinated. We will be taking the vaccinations to churches, mosques, schools, markets, primary healthcare centres, and private hospitals that are being used as immunisation centres.

The vaccine is expensive but the government is making it available for pre-teen girls for free, and it is important that the community takes advantage of this."

This initiative by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board is a commendable effort towards prioritizing the health of young girls. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. By providing free vaccination to girls between the ages of nine and 14, the government is taking a proactive step in preventing the development of cervical cancer.

It is crucial for parents and guardians to understand the importance of this vaccine and allow their children to receive the vaccination. The Gardasil vaccine has shown an efficacy rate of 95%, making it highly effective in preventing HPV infection. By vaccinating girls at a young age, before they become sexually active, the chances of protecting them from HPV-related diseases increase significantly.

The rollout of the free vaccination campaign in multiple states across Nigeria demonstrates the commitment of the government to prioritize the well-being of its citizens. With the first phase covering 16 states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, a substantial number of girls will have access to the vaccine, reducing the burden of HPV infection in the long run.

Expanding the vaccination campaign to include more states in the future further emphasizes the government's dedication to eradicating preventable diseases and improving public health. By reaching a larger population, the impact of the vaccination program will be significant, reducing both the prevalence of HPV and the number of associated deaths.

With approximately 70,000 new cases of HPV recorded annually in Nigeria, the introduction of the HPV vaccine could potentially save thousands of lives. By preventing HPV infection, the vaccine acts as a shield against cervical cancer, a disease that claims many lives annually.

Parents, religious leaders, and community leaders play a vital role in ensuring the success of this vaccination campaign. Their support and cooperation are necessary to mobilize young girls and make them aware of the importance and benefits of receiving the Gardasil vaccine.

The government is making a significant investment by providing the vaccine for free, as it is expensive. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the associated costs, as the vaccine has the potential to save thousands of lives and prevent the suffering caused by HPV-related diseases.

The rollout plan to administer the vaccinations in churches, mosques, schools, markets, primary healthcare centers, and private hospitals reflects the government's commitment to ensuring accessibility and convenience for vaccine recipients. By bringing the vaccines closer to communities, the campaign aims to overcome any potential barriers and ensure maximum participation.

In conclusion, the announcement of the free HPV vaccination campaign in Lagos State and other states in Nigeria for pre-teen girls marks a significant milestone in the fight against HPV-related diseases. It is essential for parents and guardians to give their consent for their children to receive the Gardasil vaccine, as it offers a highly effective preventive measure against HPV infection.

By taking advantage of this benevolent initiative by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, the community can protect its young girls from the risks of cervical cancer and other HPV-related health issues. The wider rollout of the vaccination program in the future will further contribute to reducing the burden of HPV infection across Nigeria. Let us join hands to ensure the success of this vaccination campaign and safeguard the health and future of our young girls.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-14 News

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