Ondo Flags off HPV Vaccination
Oluwatosin Ighoteguono
Ondo state Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has launched the Vaccination against human Papilloma virus, HPV in the state.
Gov Aiyedatiwa while performing the ceremony in at the Gani fawehinmi freedom Arcade, Igbatoro road, Akure called on parents, caregivers and other stakeholders to ensure that all eligible girls in Ondo state were vaccinated against human papilloma virus which predisposes women to Cervical cancer.
He said cancer of the cervix had taken away many promising Nigerian women, hence the need to prevent the spread of the deadly disease through the HPV vaccine.
Governor Aiyedatiwa promised that his administration would continue to implement policies that would safeguard the health of women and children in the state.
The commissioner for health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said it was deliberate that the government chose May 27 to roll out the vaccine being a day Children were being celebrated in Nigeria.
Dr Ajaka implored parents to shun all myths and misconceptions about the vaccine and ensure their female children from age 9-14yrs got vaccinated during the exercise, which would run for five days.
The Director disease control and immunisation, Ondo state primary healthcare development agency, Dr Victor Adefesoye appealed to mothers, school proprietors and caregivers to support government in reducing cases of cervical cancer in the country by encouraging girls to get vaccinated against HPV.
The coordinator, World Health Organization in Ondo state, Mr David Dele, expressed confidence that the exercise would be eighty per cent successful considering the understanding and knowledge Stakeholders already had about the vaccine.
The state coordinator of the National Primary Healthcare, Mr Adetunji Adeoye, described the vaccine as safe and effective, noting that it would be more accessible with its inclusion in the nation’s immunisation schedule.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, The first girl to take the vaccine in Ondo state , Miss Greatness Seitalauoma from St louis grammar school , Akure expressed joy that she took the bold step towards preventing herself from the deadly cervical cancer, encouraging other eligible girls to get vaccinated.
The event was witnessed by the Deputy governor, Dr Olaide Adelami, the speaker, Ondo state house of assembly, Mr Olamide Olajide, the state chief judge, Justice Segun Odusola, SSG, Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi, Head of service, Mr Bayo Phillips and the chief of staff, Mr Segun Omojuwa.
