The Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NAPHDA), Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, has called on parents and caregivers to accept the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to protect their daughters aged 9 to 14 from cervical cancer. Dr. Iskilu emphasized that the vaccine is both safe and free during the flag-off of a sensitization campaign organized by the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment in collaboration with NAPHDA. The event was held at Government Secondary School (GSS), Tudun Kware, Lafia, on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Appreciating Governor Abdullahi Sule’s commitment to advancing the health sector, Dr. Iskilu highlighted the importance of maternal and child health as critical components of primary healthcare. He explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) identified cervical cancer elimination as a priority in 2020, with the HPV vaccine serving as a preventive measure for girls aged 9-14.
"Maternal and Child Health is vital to primary healthcare, and the WHO's resolution to eliminate cervical cancer underscores the need to tackle the causative agent—HPV. The vaccine offers an effective solution," Dr. Iskilu stated. He encouraged parents to take advantage of this initiative, assuring them that the vaccine is harmless and will soon be integrated into school health programs.
Addressing misconceptions, Dr. Iskilu debunked rumors about vaccines being harmful. “The vaccine is not a disease but a preventive measure. It is safe, free, and has no harmful effects,” he clarified.
The sensitization campaign, which aligns with WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, drew attention to the government’s commitment to preventive healthcare amidst rising cervical cancer mortality rates.
The event was attended by representatives from WHO, community leaders, parents, and students, underscoring the collaborative effort to raise awareness and ensure widespread HPV vaccine adoption.
