Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has urged stakeholders, particularly the media, to intensify efforts in promoting awareness and advocacy for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.
Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President of the NCS, emphasized the importance of early vaccination in Abuja during a one-day media parley organized in collaboration with Pathfinder for members of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) to discuss HPV vaccine awareness and uptake in Nigeria.
“Our people should not have to die from cancer. While resources for full-scale management may be limited, prevention through vaccination and early detection is within our reach.”, Professor Omonisi remarked.
Cervical cancer, caused by the HPV virus, is a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths recorded in 2020. Experts at a recent media parley organized by the NCS stressed the need for targeted vaccination efforts, particularly among girls aged 9-14.
Dr. Adamu Alhassan, immediate past NCS President, addressed misconceptions about the vaccine, saying, “It’s common sense to vaccinate before exposure to the virus. Everyone is likely to face exposure at some point—whether through marriage or otherwise.”
The federal government has introduced the HPV vaccine into the routine immunization schedule, aiming to vaccinate 7.7 million girls aged 9-14 years.
Experts encouraged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for the vaccine and highlight its benefits.
Dr. Uzoma Ugochukwu, a public health expert and NCS consultant, emphasized the media’s crucial role in educating the public, saying, “No girl, no daughter of ours, should be left behind. The media’s role is crucial in achieving this goal.”
By prioritizing early vaccination and spreading awareness, stakeholders aim to significantly reduce cervical cancer cases, ensuring a healthier future for Nigerian women and girls.
As Prof. Omonisi noted, “We must educate communities, promote early screenings, and harness the expertise of our oncologists and surgeons to save lives.”
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