Ekiti State government has unveiled plans to vaccinate 300,000 girl-children across the 16 local government areas of the state against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
This came as the wife of the governor Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji called on parents and guardians to present their female children between the ages of nine and 14 years for immunisation against the HPV, a major cause of cervical cancer
Making the call during the flag off of HPV vaccination campaign held at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti. Dr Oyebanji said the exercise is geared towards protecting the health and future of the young girls and women in Ekiti State.
She said, “To the parents and guardians here today, I urged you to take advantage of this opportunity to protect your daughters. Please encourage your friends and neighbours to do the same. Let’s all become ambassadors for this cause , spreading the words in our communities and ensuring that no girl is left behind in this campaign.
“Prevention is better than cure. This vaccine is an antidote against HPV to prevent cervical cancer.It’s for the benefits of everyone. We want to assure our parents that this vaccine is safe and it has no harm on our kids”.
Also, the commissioner for health and human services Dr Oyebanji Filani who expressed confidence in the safety and potency of the vaccine, said the state government aims to vaccinate the said number of children during the five-day exercise .
The commissioner saidthe vaccine has been confirmed to be safe and effective by NAFDAC, WHO and other relevant global agencies to prevent HPV, the most common cause of Cervical Cancer.
Dr Filani stated that the campaign was not just only about vaccinations, but also to create awareness about the deadly disease.
He added that by vaccinating the girl-child , the state is providing them with a shield against devastating disease and thus giving them the opportunity to lead a healthier and fulfilling life.
“HPV Vaccine is to prevent cervical cancer. We are one of many other states who is flagging it off.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most deadly cancers. We are targeting over 300,000 girl child.’’