56 Million Women Risk Infections in Nigeria as KSPHDA Commences HPV Vaccination

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

A total of 56 million women across Nigeria are at risk of infections from the dreaded Human Papillovirus disease (cervical cancer) which is the second fastest killer after the breast cancer in Africa.

The consultant, Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, KSPHCDA, Dr. Mary O. Alexander, disclosed this while speaking at one day media dialogue on Cervical cancer disease held in Lokoja, Wednesday.

Dr. Alexander explained that KSPHDA has begun sensitization on Human Papillomavirus Vaccine HPV to prevent cervical cancer diseases across the state.

She explained that the human Papillomavirus Vaccine provides a long-lasting solution against HPV infection and associated diseases, stressing that the HPV vaccination programme is being carried out by  KSPHDA in partnership with international donor agencies to curb the menace of cervical cancer in the state.

According to her, a total of 56 million women across Nigeria are at risk of cervical cancer,  noting that there is an urgent need to nip cervical cancer in the bud and that is why the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and development partners are working to prevent cervical cancer diseases.

She stated that 16 states had earlier midwifed the HPV vaccination programme in 2023, stating that Kogi State was among the 21 others to commence vaccination.27th May 2024.

The consultant said the HPV vaccination would be open to only young girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years in Kogi State.

She pointed out that strategies have been put in place to make this programme a success in the State.

According to her, “We targeted Schools, Communities , some designated health facilities , while the traditional institutions and members of various communities were carried along.”

She also stated that the Human Papillomavirus has become a threat to women, adding that it has become a global concern and 600,000 have been infected and 59 percent of them died of the disease.