Enugu State to initiate free HPV vaccination

.The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, also known as cervical cancer immunisation, would reportedly be made available for free in Enugu State in the near future.

This information was released in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu by Mrs. Blessing Okenwa, director of administration and supplies at the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA).

Okenwa added that the injectable vaccination would be a statewide campaign and that the free HPV vaccination would likely start in the state on September 25.

She clarified that the recipients will be female youngsters between the ages of nine and fourteen, or those attending primary and post-primary schools.

“I wish to bring to your notice, a planned advocacy visit by the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA) health team to solicit your support for the upcoming HPV vaccine introduction in the state.

“Female children between the ages of 9-14 years are eligible to receive this vaccine in order to protect them from cervical cancer.

“These age groups are usually found in schools both primary and secondary; churches, mosques, markets, playgrounds and motor parks.

“The programme is also organised in such a way that school teachers will be part of the team members and in collaboration with other stakeholders,” she added.

When made available, the suggested vaccination will relieve the burden of illness on families and specific female children while also slowing the rise in cervical cancer among women in the population.

It has been noted that the state's private and commercial hospitals presently charge up to N20,000 for HPV vaccinations.

Source