AGULERI /Nigeria: Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor and founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, announced the commencement of free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccinations for girls, emphasizing its critical role in protecting their health, well-being, and future.
During the launch of the HPV vaccine integration into Routine Immunisation at Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Dr. Soludo highlighted the severe impact of cervical cancer on society. The event was a collaborative effort by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), the Ministry of Health, and various partners.
“Cervical cancer is becoming a leading cause of death among women. In Nigeria, it manifests in about 12,000 women annually and claims the lives of 8,000,” Dr. Soludo stated. “This disease devastates families, taking women at the prime of their lives, leaving husbands without wives, children without mothers, and families in financial ruin.”
She underscored the HPV vaccine’s potential to change this narrative. “The introduction of the HPV vaccine promises to safeguard the future of our children and tackle a significant health challenge head-on. The women of our future generation no longer have to hope that ‘cervical cancer will not be their portion’. The solution is here with the HPV vaccine.”
Dr. Soludo called on the community to embrace the vaccination initiative. “HPV vaccine will provide lasting protection for our girls aged 9-14 years before they are exposed to the virus that causes cervical cancer. I urge our children and our future to come out and get vaccinated to protect your future from cervical cancer.”
Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, the World Health Organisation Southeast Zonal Coordinator, noted that Africa bears the highest burden of cervical cancer globally. He supported the government’s introduction of the HPV vaccine as a strategic move to reduce this burden.
Mr. Anthony Muobike, Chairman of the House Committee on Health at the State Assembly, encouraged parents to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine. Dr. Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health, called on residents to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in its efforts to protect public health.
Mrs. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, emphasized the prevalence of HPV. “HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, causing over 95 percent of cervical cancer cases. The HPV vaccine will be available in schools, communities, and health facilities over the next few days. Together, we can eliminate cervical cancer in Anambra State and Nigeria,” she affirmed.
