The Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development initiative, Mrs Monica Tanko has advised parents that Vaccination of children against the Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most effective ways of HPV-related cancer prevention.
She stated this in an interview with newsmen at the end of 4 days planning meeting with stakeholders on Thursday in Gombe, Gombe State
According to her, A total of more than 100 Civil Society Organizations have been trained and 36 selected were equipped to carry out this intervention during a 4 day training exercise which was held on the 20th – 23rd March 2024
She explained that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common viral infections in the sexually active population worldwide, and is the main cause of cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer among women.
Tanko stated that it is the right of the girl child aged 9-14 to get vaccinated in order to stay alive.
The training was implemented by the International vaccine Access Center (IVAC) Women Advocate for Vaccine Access (WAVA) and Direct Consulting & Logistics (DCL)
through the Vaccine Alliance (GAVi) held the planning meeting with collaboration of National Primary Health care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Held a planning meeting with relevant stakeholders at Primary Healthcare Management Board Gombe, Gombe State
“With an objective to increase HPV vaccination rates for girls 9-14 years, promote parent education, and influence policy related to HPV vaccinations.
“In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44 years.
“Research shows that 12,075 new cases and nearly 8,000 deaths have been recorded in Nigeria from a disease that is preventable,” she said.
The Executive Director reiterated that the pediatrician’s recommendation is very important for the parents’ decision to vaccinate their children, highlighting good trust and collaboration with the healthcare providers.
