WHO supports Borno to immunise 1 million girls against cervical cancer.
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has supported the Borno state government in immunising over one million girls against cervical cancer, which has claimed many lives in the state.
According to the organisation, cervical cancer is a persistent infection with strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that kills many women each year.
The immunisation programme in the state is funded by the Canadian Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity (CanGIVE).
Flagging off the HPV immunisation exercise on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Prof. Baba Malam Gana, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Abubakar Hassan, disclosed: “Today marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the health of young girls and secure their brighter future.”
He said that the introduction of the HPV vaccine is a major step in fighting against cervical cancer among girls between the ages of nine and 14.
Hassan, who described the disease as a great health risk, has claimed the lives of many girls and women in the country.
The health boss noted that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of disease.
Besides being prevented, the Special Adviser said, “Yet, it remains a significant public health challenge,” particularly in regions with limited access to preventive healthcare.
He said that by immunising the girls against HPV, we are not only protecting them from the deadly disease but also empowering them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
According to him, the age group of girls is, however, critical for the administration of the HPV vaccine, as it is most effective when given before exposure to the virus.
Hassan, therefore, assured parents that the vaccine is safe and effective, as it has been tested and approved by the WHO.
He also reiterated the importance of education and awareness in this initiative to protect girls against cervical cancer.
The State Coordinator of WHO, represented by Dr. Aisha Kadai, disclosed that infection with HPV is implicated in 99 percent of cases of cervical cancer.
“The disease, fueled by persistent infection with certain strains of HPV, has long been a silent and formidable adversary, claiming the lives of many women each year,” she lamented.
Continuing, Kadai added, “Yet, amidst the challenges, we find hope in the power of prevention through vaccination,” as the introduction of vaccines represents a proactive and strategic approach towards preventing cervical cancer.
She noted that there is a need to collectively create awareness about the disease, its risk factors, preventive measures, and the available health services.
“Communities are also informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their health,” she said.
She said the prevention of cervical cancer should be at the primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions for immunisation, screening and treatment of lesions, and the diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer.
