By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Inline with Federal Government’s (FG) commitment to reducing cervical cancer among women of reproductive age, Bauchi State Government has joined the league of other Nigerian States in launching the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) campaign targeted at girls aged 9-14 years.
The official commencement of the HPV campaign was launched on Tuesday 24th October, 2023 at Government Comprehensive Secondary School Bakari Dukku by Governor Bala Mohammed saying that the HPV vaccine would mitigate the scourge of cancer in the state.
Represented by the the Secretary to the State Government Barrister Ibrahim Kashim, Governor Bala Mohammed said that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria, resulting into high morbidity and mortality among women
The Governor, who lamented the high cost associated with management of cervical cancer further expressed his optimism that a single dose of HPV vaccine could prevent huge out of pocket spending running into millions of Naira.
He further revealed that the vaccination campaign would reach health facilities, public and private schools, markets, social gatherings, religious institutions, and communities to ensure access for schoolgirls.
The Governor then urged parents, caregivers, school proprietors, headmasters, principals, and all relevant stakeholders to take advantage of this important opportunity and ensure their eligible children and students receive the vaccine.
State Commissioner of Health, Dr Adamu Umar Sambo, in his remarks said that the introduction of HPV vaccine would significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer, particularly among young girls aged 9-14 in Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.
Represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry Aliyu Babayo Gamawa, the Commissioner said that the state government is ever ready to support any public health interventions aimed at strengthening the health care system of the state.
Dr. Sambo also applauded the state’s continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and equipment and its dedication to fulfilling MoU arrangements with development and donor partners.
Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, while speaking, stressed on the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine and also called on parents, caregivers, schools, and traditional and religious institutions to ensure students are vaccinated against cervical cancer.
He highlighted the warning signs of cervical cancer in women of reproductive age, including irregular bleeding and pain during intercourse.
Dr. Mohammed acknowledged the support of development partners, including W.H.O., UNICEF, and the Clinton Health Initiative, as well as the vital role of stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, media, CSOs, and faith-based organizations in raising awareness and successfully implementing the vaccination campaign.
There were goodwill messages from WHO, UNICEF, BMG and, Dangote Foundation and other key stakeholders in the health sector of Bauchi State.
Highlights of the occasion was the symbolic administering of the HPV vaccines to some eligible target group of girls by some health experts amongst the dignitaries that graced the ceremony.