Lagos govt administers free HPV vaccines for girls

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine programme for young girls in Lagos State, ages 9 to 14, is scheduled to begin this week.

On Monday at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, the inauguration will be conducted by Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the spouse of the state governor.

This revelation was made in a statement released on Sunday by Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board.

He claims that the human papillomavirus, which is spread through sexual contact, is the cause of cervical cancer as well as other illnesses linked to HPV, including genital and skin warts.

He cited the 2018 NDHS Report when stating that up to 19% of women who start having sex before the age of 15 are more likely to become infected with HPV.

For broader and quicker coverage, he said immunisation centres have been designated for schools and primary health care facilities.

The Permanent Secretary has called for the support of all parties involved, including parents, guardians, community and religious leaders, in order to guarantee that all girls in that age range receive the HPV vaccination during the campaign. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the goal of the HPV vaccination is to give injectable HPV vaccine into the arm, for protection against cervical cancer.

He stated that the vaccination programme is a national initiative that aims to stop the 71,000 deaths caused by the virus each year.

 Ibrahim stated that routine immunisation services would also be offered at the Primary Healthcare Centres throughout the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of the state during the campaign, emphasising the importance of vaccination at a young age for the best protection.

In addition to being free and safe, he said the vaccine is also very effective.

Source