Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Lagos Branch, has urged the Lagos State Government to reconsider its policy regarding the provision of Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for women beyond a certain age.
This call came in response to the growing concern that many women in underserved communities are unable to afford the vaccines, putting their health at risk.
At a cervical cancer awareness and lifestyle support outreach in Sangrouse Market, Lagos Island, Vice-Chairman of YWCA Lagos Branch, Dr. Olatokunbo Oseni, emphasized the urgency of making these vaccines more accessible to these communities.
Dr. Oseni highlighted the partnership between YWCA and several organizations that have helped provide over 60 percent discounts for medical tests, including breast scans for women.
She noted that during the outreach, several young women were found with signs of abnormal breast discharge, and arrangements were made for them to undergo further tests at a reduced cost. “Part of the test that we are going to do for them is a breast scan… We have told them where to go and do that test. It should be done for them at no cost because Clinix is giving us a 60 percent discount,” she explained.
The organization is covering an additional 40 percent to ensure the tests are accessible to those in need.
Chief Nursing Officer at the University of Lagos Medical Centre, Dr. Oluwayemi Banjoko commended the Lagos State Government’s efforts in addressing cervical cancer, particularly the provision of free HPV vaccines for children.
However, she urged that the initiative be expanded to include adult women, particularly those who may not have access to the vaccines due to cost.
“We beckon to them that they should do more and then give women and children more access to these vaccines,” Dr. Banjoko said.
She also encouraged NGOs like YWCA to continue their outreach, focusing on underserved areas to ensure that more people are informed and have access to essential health services.
