Lagos State Government would announce a new date for the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPVV) campaign, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, September 25, 2023, for logistics reasons, as informed by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health in Lagos, disclosed.
“The State Government regrets any inconveniences that may occur as a result of the postponement. As soon as a new date is communicated to Lagos, members of the public will be informed accordingly “, Abayomi noted.
Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases such as skin and vaginal warts.
19% of women initiate sexual intercourse by age 15, thereby increasing the risk of HPV infection (NDHS, report 2018).
Nigeria’s human papillomavirus vaccine introduction for girls in the targeted age range of 9 to 14 years will potentially prevent 71,000 deaths annually.
Human papillomavirus vaccination at an early age is highly important, as it provides the best protection.
The objective of the human papillomavirus vaccination is to give all eligible girls injectable HPV vaccines into their arms for protection against cervical cancer.
Schools, churches, mosques, primary health centres, hospitals, outreach posts, markets, gated estates, and other designated posts within the community have been earmarked as vaccination centres.
In view of this, we solicit all parents, guardians’ community leaders, pastors, and imams to ensure that all eligible girls are vaccinated during the campaign.
Please note that routine immunization services will also be available at the primary healthcare centres all over the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas in the state during the Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign.
The HPV vaccine is free, safe, highly effective, and a lifesaver.
For inquiries, please contact the Primary Health Care Department of your local government/local council development area or any primary health centre close to you. Please avail yourself of this information and share it with others.
