Osun Sets For Vaccination Against Cervical Cancer
Kazeem Badmus
OSUN State has been chosen as one of the states that will receive the first phase of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccines.
The vaccines which are meant to prevent Cervical Cancer, according to the state World Health Organisation Technical Officer for the program, Dr Oluwabukola Alawale, will be implemented between September 25 and 29, 2023.
Alawale noted that the vaccine is targeted at girls between the ages of nine to 14, adding that it will be available in all health facilities in the state.
Speaking during a sensitisation program in Osogbo on Wednesday, Alawale noted that the vaccine is safe and effective, calling on parents to make their eligible children available for the vaccine.
Alawale added that the vaccine would target Human Papilloma Virus type 16 and 18 which are high-risk and causes cervical cancer for women.
She said: “It is a new vaccine in Nigeria and it has been added to the routine immunisation for adolescent girls. The vaccine is available to prevent cervical cancer in our girl children.
“The vaccine will target Human Papilloma Virus type 16 and 18 which are high-risk and cause cervical cancer. Once the vaccines are taken, the risk is reduced.
“Sixteen states of which Osun is among are in the first phase and the target girls are those between the age of nine to 14 years.
“All the eligible have been captured in the micro plan and the target areas are Primary and Secondary schools, both public and private, religious centres, markets and playgrounds. The vaccines will be implemented from September 25 to 29, 2023.
“The vaccine is safe, effective and efficient. It will create a level of immunity against certain diseases that may occur in the future”.
