The Imo State Technical Working Group for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine introduction has been inaugurated.
Performing the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Rev Sister Joannes Uzoma said that Imo State was one of the states selected in the second phase for the introduction of the novel vaccine.
In her exposition,she stated that cancer was one of the deadliest diseases, cervical cancer being the second most killer disease for the women folk.
In her exposition she described cancer as a development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. She declared that cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world.
She qouoted research in Nigeria as pinpointing cervical cancer as the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44 years. In 2020, the country recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.
She further revealed that virtually all cervical cancers are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV).
On the type of vaccine available for the health programme coming up in May in the State,the Executive Secretary of IMPHCDA said that a single dose of Gardasil 9 was approved by NAFDAC for Nigeria.
She emphasized that the HPV vaccine is most effective when given to girls and boys before they become sexually active, which is why it is recommended for girls aged 9-14 years old.
According to her, WHO estimates that cervical cancer could be the first cancer to be eliminated if 90 per cent of girls are vaccinated against HPV, 70 per cent of women are screened, and 90 per cent of women with the disease receive treatment and encouraged parents, guardians and those in positions of care to present their wards for the vaccination.
Speaking on the role of the HPV Technical Working Group (TWG ),the Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr Odom stated that the Group will be responsible for the mapping of all relevant HPV stakeholders. They will also provide coordination, management and planning for all stakeholders meeting throughout the Introduction and provide overall guidance in the smooth running of the operations rooms during the introduction of the HPV vaccine amongst others.
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