By Donald Ojebo
ASABA/Nigeria: In a decisive move to combat the scourge of cervical cancer, the Delta State Government has inaugurated the 2024 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine Technical Working Group. The initiative aims to address the primary cause of maternal deaths attributed to cancer.
Led by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the inauguration ceremony took place yesterday in Asaba. Dr. Onojaeme emphasized the critical importance of the initiative, urging members to fully commit to its mandate.
“The administration of the Human Papilloma Vaccine on all females between the ages of 9-14 years of age is very apt, thoughtful, and the surest public health approach,” stated the Commissioner.
Outlined in the Terms of Reference, the Technical Working Group is tasked with mapping out all relevant HPV stakeholders and providing coordination, management, and planning of stakeholder meetings. Additionally, they are responsible for supporting implementation activities such as school and community vaccination, as well as the HPV routinization process.
Dr. Philomena Okeowo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and the appointed Chairman of the Technical Working Group, expressed gratitude to the State Government for the opportunity to serve Deltans. She affirmed the readiness of the group to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Dr. Faith Iyere, State Coordinator of the Delta World Health Organization and member of the Technical Working Group, highlighted the inclusive nature of the group’s membership, indicating Delta State’s preparedness to tackle the issue comprehensively.
She also pledged the technical and other forms of support from the World Health Organization to ensure the success of the Working Group.
Comprising 38 members from various sectors including line ministries, religious and traditional groups, and the media, the Technical Working Group is poised to commence the vaccination exercise in May 2024. This initiative marks a significant step forward in Delta State’s efforts to combat cervical cancer and safeguard the health of its citizens.
