Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Kogi State has made significant strides in preventing cervical cancer, achieving 99% coverage of the target population for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
According to Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr. Musa Omeiza Mu’azu, the state launched the HPV vaccination implementation exercise on May 27, 2024, and successfully vaccinated 284,750 eligible females.
Dr. Mu’azu emphasized the importance of sustaining the momentum of progress, stating, “To sustain this momentum of progress, we must intensify advocacy, communication, social mobilization activities, engaging media outlets, and strengthening routine immunization.”
He also commended development partners, including WHO and UNICEF, for their support. Prof. SPO Akogu, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, PAAU, Anyigba, called for action on cervical cancer screening and emphasized the need for sensitizing and training healthcare workers to conduct routine screenings.
The Kogi State government, Ministry of Health, and the Agency have collaborated effectively to achieve successes in the health sector.
The Vice Chancellor of PAAU, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, acknowledged this collaboration and stressed the need for community engagement and participation in health initiatives.
She emphasized the importance of health education and awareness in preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.
