The Rivers State Government, in partnership with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to protect young girls from the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Through the Ministry of Health, the state government has rolled out a free vaccination program for girls aged 9-14, which will be available in 388 health facilities across the state.
Her Excellency, Valerie Fubara, wife of the Governor, officially launched the program, emphasizing the state’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its young citizens.
Fubara, represented by the commissioner of health, Dr Chidinma Adaeze Oreh said the state is part of the 20 states in the country to flag off the second phase of the vaccination, saying the vaccine is to prevent cervical cancer.
She emphasized that the vaccine is very important before potential exposure to HPV and its preventive measure is not an endorsement of early sexual activity.
She said: “Rivers State is in the second phase of this vaccine in Nigeria. We are among the 20 other states that are flagging off this vaccination exercise today and it will go on between today(27 May) till the end of the month with up to 388 health facilities in the state.
“There will be school visits, Community outreaches to ensure that eligible girls to receive this vaccine who are aged between 9-14 years receive this vaccination one dose and are fully protected against human papillomavirus and protected from cervical cancer.
Fubara, however, noted that there are still a lot of work to be done, she called for collaboration of multi stakeholders, just as she advised parents, guardians and caregivers to ensure they avail their girl child in prevention of HPV.
He added: “There is still a lot of work for us to do, using various portals and of course with the full support of the Press in communicating with our communities to communicate with the general public on the safety and efficacies of these vaccines and the need for parents and guardians to avail themselves of this opportunities. We have over 3600 personnel who would be out in the communities, out in our various health facilities to offer these vaccines to eligible children.
“We need the support of the communities that is why we have had this flag off ceremony not just professional but out traditional institutions and community based organisations and faith based organisations so that we can all work together to ensure eligible children are vaccinated and protected and no one is left behind.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Professor Blessing Jaja represented by the former executive secretary of the board , Claribel Abam said the vaccine flag off will help reduce the surge.
She said the health officials should redouble their efforts towards ensuring that girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years are free from the risk of having cancer and other health challenges.
Also, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Rivers State chapter, Ebi Robinson, who was present during the flag off passed a vote of confidence of the vaccine.