The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and development partners, is launching a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 9-14 years. This initiative is part of the phase 1 state routine immunization program in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Ibrahim A. Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, the HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent 71,000 deaths annually if the target age group is reached. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical cancer and other related diseases.
The vaccination campaign aims to provide eligible girls with injectable HPV vaccine in various locations, including schools, churches, mosques, primary health centers, hospitals, and markets, from Monday, September 26 to Saturday, September 31, starting at 7 am.
Dr. Mustafa urged parents, guardians, community leaders, pastors, and imams to ensure that all eligible girls receive the vaccination during the campaign. He also noted that routine immunization services will be available at primary health centers during the HPV vaccination campaign.
“We solicit with all parents, guardians community leaders, pastors Imams to ensure that all eligible girls are vaccinated during the campaign.
“Pls note that Routine Immunization Services will be available at the Primary Health Centres during the HPV vaccination campaign.”, Dr Mustafa said.
Early vaccination is crucial, as it provides the best protection against HPV-related diseases. With 19% of women initiating sexual intercourse by age 15, increasing the risk of HPV infection, this campaign is a vital step in protecting the health and well-being of young girls in Lagos State.
