NICRAT Launches Vaccination HPV Vaccination In Oyo Schools
By Juliet Vincent
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), in partnership with the Oyo State Primary Health Care Development Board (SPHCB) and the State Ministry of Health, has launched vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination in schools.
The initiative was part of the School Health Programme in Nigeria.
The event was held at the Oyo MNA House Conference Hall at Total Garden, Ibadan attended by health officials from Ibadan North Local Government, religious leaders, representatives from the Parents-Teachers Association, school proprietors, students, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking in an opening address, the Director-General (DG) NICRAT,
Prof. Usman Aliyu said the initiative was necessary to tackle the devastating impact of HPV on women’s health in the country.
He said, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is committed to combating cervical cancer and improving the health status of women and all Nigerians.
He said,”This initiative embodies the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. NICRAT is dedicated to leading the charge in cancer research, treatment, and control in Nigeria.
“While the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) oversees national vaccination efforts, NICRAT is stepping in to bolster these initiatives by implementing school-based vaccinations for children aged 9 to 14”.
Prof. Aliyu elaborated on NICRAT’s comprehensive approach, which includes training healthcare workers on cancer care and prevention techniques.
The DG added, “Since its establishment in early 2023, NICRAT has rolled out various strategies aimed at reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria, such as specialised training in cancer immunotherapy and childhood cancer symptom identification.
“Over 1,400 healthcare workers across primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities have benefited from these programmes.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality healthcare to Nigerians, supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“We urge school leaders to ensure that all eligible female students receive this crucial vaccination to safeguard their health”.
In his remark on the topic, “National Progress on HPV Vaccine,” the Oyo State Coordinator for NPHCDA, Mr. Alasan Babatunde, reported that Nigeria has achieved a 71% vaccination coverage since the HPV vaccine’s introduction in 2023.
He expressed optimism that the progress would significantly impact cervical cancer incidence in the coming years, urging the government to invest further in the health of Nigerian women.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Team Lead for NICRAT’s pilot study on HPV vaccination integration, Dr. Josse Zjingina, emphasised the importance of community engagement in raising awareness about HPV as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.
He said, “This initiative targets school-aged girls between 9 and 14, with a particular focus on nine-year-olds this year. We encourage private school proprietors and public school heads to actively participate in this programme”.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Adenike Adegoke from the Civil Society for Cancer Eradication, commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in making the programme a reality.
She pledged to mobilise community-based organisations to raise awareness and ensure widespread acceptance of the HPV vaccine, particularly in underserved areas.
In her remark, the Assistant Public Health Officer for the World Health Organization in Oyo State, Obo Joy Isioma, also praised NICRAT and its partners for their commitment to promoting the HPV vaccine.
The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, reaffirmed the state government’s support for the initiative.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic vaccination of Jesutola Success, a 12-year-old student from the Anglican Commercial Grammar School, Yemetu, Ibadan North Local Government Area.
