By Awesome Ekene
A total of 380,671 girls have received the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer in Anambra State.
HPV Consultant for Clinton Health Access Initiatives (CHAI), Akpan Etop disclosed this in Awka at a stakeholders engagement meeting for HPV Vaccine Intensification.
The meeting was organised by the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health, CHAI and other partners for three Council Areas of Aguata, Idemili North and Orumba North with low performance in the exercise.
He however said 95,993 girls were missed during the vaccination campaign, attributing it to rejections, vaccine hesitancy and parental consent challenge.
According to Etop, the free HPV vaccination was introduced by federal government due to high burden of cervical cancer in the country,
He said, “The first phase was introduced in 15 states including the federal capital in October 2023 while the second Phase was introduced in 21 states in May 2024.
“Over 12 million girls have been vaccinated in Nigeria and we still have about five million unvaccinated girls. While in Anambra, a total of 380,671 girls have been vaccinated and 95,993 yet to be vaccinated.
“CHAI is supporting the government through stakeholders engagement and community outreaches to ensure that the missed girls are vaccinated to protect them against cervical cancer.”
While revealing that the vaccine had been integrated into routine immunisation schedule at health facilities for easy accessibility, Etop urged religious and community leaders as well parents to support the concept of protecting girls against cervical cancer.
Director, Disease Control and Immunisation Department, ASPHCDA, Dr Nnamdi Uliagbafusi allayed fears being nursed by parents and care givers, stressing that the HPV vaccine was safe and had no major side effects.
“HPV vaccine prevent cervical cancer, economic loss and even death. It is safe for our girls and I urged parents to encourage their girls to get vaccinated.
” In Anambra, we have not recorded any major side effects since the vaccination campaign started. We appeal to all stakeholders especially religious leaders to support the campaign,” he added.
Earlier, State Health Educator, Mrs. Uju Onwuegbuzina said the meeting was to share lessons from previous HPV campaign, review progress and challenges, as well as improve vaccination coverage in the state.
“We’re here to share lessons learnt from the HPV introduction; review progress, challenges and best practices for HPV in the state; engage expanded partners to garner insights and recommendations on improving HPV coverage as well as share update on the proposed targeted intensification exercise,” she explained.
