The Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has embarked on a vital mission to vaccinate 388,180 girls aged nine to 14 against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The overarching goal of this initiative is to safeguard these young girls from the risks of cervical cancer.
Dr. Suleiman Bashir, the Executive Chairman of the agency, emphasized the significance of this campaign in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.
The vaccination drive, which focuses on girls within the age group of nine to 14, is part of a broader effort to bolster their immunity against HPV before potential exposure to the virus. Dr. Bashir revealed that the sensitization and vaccination process is currently underway and is expected to continue for a duration of three months.
In neighboring states like Borno and Yobe, the vaccination campaign is yet to commence, with some communities expressing concerns regarding the alleged effects of the vaccine on fertility. These concerns have led to a cautious approach to the vaccination drive, pending clarification from relevant authorities.
“Nobody is talking for now, and until that allegation is clarified, many parents won’t allow their daughters to be vaccinated,” stated Abdulkareem Ali, a parent with four daughters in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Dr. Goni Abba, the Director of Public Health in the Borno Ministry of Health, confirmed that the vaccination and educational initiatives had not yet begun in the state. He explained that the vaccination campaign was only recently launched in Abuja, and representatives from the state needed to convene to determine the next steps.
In Yobe State, where the vaccination campaign has not yet commenced, preparations have been made to launch an awareness campaign focused on the virus. Alhaji Sabiu Suleiman, the Head of Programmes in the National Orientation Agency (NOA), confirmed these preparations.
The Director of Information in Yobe State Ministry of Information, Alhaji Ali Yawale, noted that the state was not included in the current vaccination schedule outlined by the Federal Government. However, Yawale emphasized that plans are in motion to initiate a comprehensive public awareness campaign across the state’s 17 local government areas, involving various stakeholders such as the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations.
This initiative is not only about vaccination but also about providing clear, science-based information to address concerns and ensure the well-being of young girls.
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