Group tasks to protect adolescents girls against cervical cancer

From: Femi  Oyelola , Kaduna

In a move to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer, the Hope for Communities and Children (H4CC) has urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to get young girls aged 9-14 vaccinated against the Human papillomavirus (HPV.)

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the HPV vaccine in Chikun LGA, the Program Coordinator of H4CC, Garba D. Umar stressed that the vaccine is free, safe, and effective.

He explained that statistics at the National had revealed three LGAs facing challenges with the HPV Vaccination, namely —Chikun, Kaduna South, and Kubau.

He, however, disclosed that funding partners, Girl Effect, could only sponsor two LGAs for which Kubau and Chikun were selected.

“It’s been a wonderful experience, the reception has been wonderful, and we are impressed with the turnout. Many people showed up especially key stakeholders like the community leaders.

“This is to create awareness among our people and to demystify a lot of myths like the rumors going around, people having a lot of funny ideas saying it is meant to do population or birth control and other funny ideas.

“So, we need to create awareness and educate people that this has nothing to do with family planning and also, inform them about the dangers of cervical cancer.

“The only thing we can do for now is to catch our younger generation between the ages of 9 to 14 and vaccinate them.

The Program Coordinator added that the HPV vaccine is part of the routine immunization at the Health facilities, that is the 255 PHCs.

“So, they can access it daily at the facility, and then, if we get some good interventions, we will deploy them to the communities, especially places where we have a concentration of people, the Palace of Traditional Leaders, and religious centers too.

“Thankfully, the Head Ruler here said it openly, that he endorses taking the vaccine and that it is risk-free,” he said.

The Etsu of Chikun, His Royal Highness Ishaku Yari, expressed his gratitude to the NGO for taking the time to sensitize the community members about HPV, Cervical Cancer, and the benefits of the vaccination.

The Etsu, who was represented by the Chairman of Ward Development, Sabon Tasha, Gabriel M. Akugana, assured his best to ensure that young girls in his community are vaccinated against HPV.

In his remark, the Health Secretary of Chikun LGA,  Dr. Bosan, said the event was to mark International Women’s Day, adding that it highlights the need for combined efforts in securing the future of young girls against diseases like cervical cancer.

“I’m very happy to witness this event. It is a rare privilege and we are happy to receive this vaccine that Protect young girls against cervical cancer.

“I’m also happy about the turnout; it shows how well accepted the vaccine is received, and I hope that, even in other places, this vaccine gets to reach other girls.”