The Kwara Government on Friday disclosed that the state government will commence vaccines on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) for girls of nine to 14 years of age, by May 2024.
Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency stated this in Ilorin at the Meeting of the Kwara State Taskforce on Immunization and Primary Healthcare Care.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HPV is a virus that causes the appearance of warts on the body and can be sexually transmitted (an STI).
Human papillomavirus vaccines are vaccines that prevent infection by certain types of human papillomavirus. Available HPV vaccines protect against either two, four, or nine types of HPV.
Elelu explained that the Federal Government had earlier introduced the HPV vaccines in some states, and Kwara is joining other 20 states across the federation for the life saving intervention.
“Kwara is on Phase Two of the HPV vaccine across the country. The vaccine will prevent Cervical cancer. It will start in May 2024,” she said.
She emphasized on the need to protect girls from HPV, adding that it is the second most frequent causes of cancer in Nigeria.
Similarly, the executive secretary noted that the First Polio immunization campaign for 2024 will commence on 2nd to 5th of March.
She noted that the state has recorded improvement on the routine and supplemental immunization across the 16 Local Government Area of the state.
According to her, supplemental vaccines for 2023 was successful, adding that developmental partners were supportive of the various health intervention.
She observed that due to the huge success recorded, the agency received award of $500,000, which was judiciously used to renovate PHCs in local governments.
Elelu also pointed out that a 10-days training on “Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care”, was organised for 60 healthcare professionals on maternal, newborn care from the fund.
She explained that the taskforce meeting is held quarterly to reminisce on the success recorded in previous year, and build on it for more success on healthcare intervention.
The executive secretary while observing success recorded however lamented on series of challenges faced, adding that the local governments need to be more involved and take responsibility and ownership of health intervention in thier areas.
Mr Kayode Alabi, the Kwara Deputy Governor, commended the agency for thier untiring efforts and the success recorded on immunization in the state.
He however appealed to them to be patient and resolute in their humanitarian work in the face of challenges.
Alabi reminded that those in the helm of authority should put in thier best for the people they serve and be humble.
Speaking also, Dr Amina El-Imam, Kwara Commissioner for Health commended the state government for prompt intervention in releasing counterpart funding.
El-Imam who was represented by the Dr Abubakar Ayinla, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry reiterated resolve of the ministry to collaborate other ministries to improve health of the citizenry.
