A group, Community Link for Health and Family Health Advocacy (CLHFPA), has expressed concern over the low rate of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Nasarawa State.
The Chairperson of CLHFPA, Mrs. Mary Ashenanye, shared her concerns during a one-day media training organized in partnership with Pathfinder International for journalists in Lafia. She highlighted the dangers of HPV, stating, “Research has shown that HPV is responsible for cervical cancer, the second-highest form of cancer that affects women.”
Despite these risks, the vaccination campaign has struggled, primarily due to myths and misconceptions surrounding the vaccine.
Mrs. Ashenanye emphasized that the HPV vaccine has been proven to be effective and does not pose a threat to the reproductive health of women and girls.
However, she noted that the campaign had faced setbacks due to misinformation.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Health Educator, Ishaya Amegwa, shared his disappointment over the low vaccination rate, revealing that only 2,158 individuals were vaccinated in the past year.
Lafia, the state capital, recorded the lowest rate, with only 33 people vaccinated.
In a presentation titled “Roles of Journalists and Issue-based Reporting on HPV,” veteran journalist Shimataver Aondoakaa urged media professionals to help change the public’s negative attitudes toward the HPV vaccine.
He called on journalists to use their platforms to promote accurate information and encourage vaccination efforts in the state.
“Research has shown that HPV is responsible for cervical cancer, the second-highest form of cancer that affects women.”
