Anambra State has received 307,075 doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, marking a significant step in its public health efforts. The State Immunization Officer, Comrade Edith Onwuka, announced this during a one-day expanded stakeholders’ sensitization workshop on HPV vaccine introduction. The event was organized by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health.
Providing an overview of HPV in Nigeria, Comrade Onwuka explained that HPV is a group of viruses commonly transmitted through sexual contact, responsible for 95% of cervical cancer cases. She praised Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, for her extensive work in providing free cervical cancer screenings.
The HPV vaccine, described as safe, effective, and essential in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, will be administered in a campaign launched by the Governor’s wife at Michael Tansi Secondary School in Aguleri on May 28, 2024. The campaign targets girls aged nine to fourteen.
Mrs. Uju Onwuegbusi, the State Health Educator, highlighted the extensive engagement and awareness efforts undertaken, including town hall meetings and stakeholder sessions. She urged participants to promote the vaccine’s efficacy and safety.
Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, emphasized the importance of the HPV vaccination campaign, warning against any collection of fees for the vaccine, which is free for all residents. She acknowledged the support from Mrs. Soludo, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Goodwill messages were delivered by the WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Bonos Mohammed, and representatives from UNICEF, among others.
The vaccination campaign will be implemented through school outreach, out-of-school outreach, and fixed outreach strategies.
The event saw attendance from various dignitaries, including Igwe Joseph Ajodo of Ukwalla community, Igwe Michael Idigo of Aguleri, members of the Muslim community, and representatives from Civil Society Organizations.
