The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has announced that, the vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and sensitisation against its dangers being carried out would cover all secondary schools in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Senior Scientific Officer of the Institute (NICRAT), Dr. Musa Mutiu stated this during the sensitization and official commencement of the incorporation of the HPV vaccination into the school health programme in Nigeria in Imo State over the weekend.
Dr Mutiu who represented the Director General (DG) of the institution, Professor Usman Malami, said the federal government is carrying out the vaccination and sensitisation on the dangers and effects of HPV in the life of a woman.
He said that, the vaccination and sensitisation program is a testament of the agency’s commitment to deliver quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
He added, “As an agency, NICRAT will continue to do everything humanly possible including training and retraining of all categories of healthcare workers, including the vaccination program to prevent our people from all forms of cancer related diseases”.
Giving an overview of HPV related disease as they affect women, the State Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mrs. Maria Ibeleme-Onu, noted that HPV was the most common viral infection of women’s reproductive track.
According to her, HPV accounts for 95% cases of cervical cancer amongst women between the ages of 15 and 49 years worldwide.
Ibeleme-Onu said the virus is prevalent among individuals who have multiple sexual partners, high sexual activities before 18 years, tobacco smoking, weak immune system and family history.
She added, “HPV is an STI infection, most infections are asymptomatic, they clear in three months without any intervention. With about 90% clearing, within two years.
“Although a small proportion may persist to precancerous levels and subsequently, cervical cancer”.
The NPHCDA State Coordinator however debunked claims that HPV causes infertility, paralysis or it was introduced as a way of reducing population.
She informed that, the vaccine was safe, free and available at healthcare centres in the state.
Earlier, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Prosper Oyahaya advised parents and caregivers to vaccinate their daughters against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
He informed that, research and global experiences have proven the effectiveness of HPV vaccine in preventing any HPV related diseases.
According to him, unlike other cancers, cervical cancer could be prevented by administering the HPV vaccine on girls between the ages of 9 and 14.
Dr. Oyahaya said, the programme was not just about implementation of the vaccine, but building a healthier future for the children by empowering them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health as well as giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Commissioner added, “The incorporation of the Human Papilloma Virus into the school health program marks a pivotal moment on our collective commitment to preventive health care. We are taking decisive action to protect our children from a virus that can lead to devastating health consequences later in life”.
