Against the backdrop of several deaths associated with Cervical Cancer in Bayelsa State and Nigeria at large, the Bayelsa State Government and stakeholders preparations are in top gear to roll out the first ever Human Papiloma Virus Vaccine, HPVV.
This was disclosed by the State Health Educator, Mr Christopher Ogbointuwei at the sensitization of stakeholders, as well as Traditional and Religious leaders on the introduction of HPV and preventive measles vaccination campaign in the State, supported by UNICEF at Oasis Public Health Consulting Ltd Office,
Kpansia, Yenagoa.
Mr Ogbointuiwe who gave the opening remarks, welcomed all stakeholders, noting that the essence of the meeting is to sensitize them on the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV and Measles campaign.
He informed that vaccinating the girls in the state between the ages of 9-14 in line with the WHO recommendation, will help prevent HPV infection, and thereby reduce the incidence of cancer in women.
A public Health consultant, Dr Morufu Olalekan Raimi in his presentation, pointed out the roles of stakeholders in the HPV vaccine introduction and measles campaign, stressing that the vaccines are both safe and highly effective in preventing HPV types 16 and 18, which are together responsible for about 70% of all cervical cancer cases globally.
Dr Olalekan, who is also the Technical Adviser to the State Health Educator, spoke on the objectives and expected outcome, noting that stakeholders are to support and use their various platforms to support the introduction of the vaccine in Bayelsa State.
Speaking on the topic” Eliminating Cervical cancer in Bayelsa: the role of the church” Dr Oyeyemi Abisoye from RCCG Region 27, Bayelsa State explained the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of HPV adding that cervical cancer can be treated if detected early.
Dr Abisoye called on religious leaders to educate and sensitize their congregation for more girls to take the vaccine and women to get screened.
On her part, CEO of Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation, ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi reiterated the NGO’S support to the state government in carrying out the campaign.
Lady Nnachi said the NGO was excited to be part of the campaign aimed at protecting the girl child against cervical cancer, which she lamented is seeing a growing number due to lack of awareness, while stressing the importance of the vaccine for the girl child.
All stakeholders were also urged to support the measles campaign which would begin immediately after the HPV vaccine campaign.
The Human Papilloma Virus, HPV vaccine Introduction begins on the 25th-29th, September 2023, and the target is girls of 9 to 14 years, while the Measles Vaccination Campaign begins on the 5th-11th October, 2023, with 9 to 59months old children as target.