Nasarawa begins HPV screening for 100 women, urges parents’ support
admin
The Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with Pathfinder International Nigeria, has commenced Human Papillomavirus screening for 100 women drawn from the Kwandare community in the Lafia Local Government Area of the state, and urged parents of girls aged 9 to 14 to take advantage of the ongoing vaccination campaign.
Speaking at the Comprehensive Primary Health Care Centre, Kwandare, the venue of the screening on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Iskilu Saleh, noted that the HPV had led to the untimely death of many Nigerian women.
He noted that the free cervical cancer screening was part of activities to mark the 2025 World Cervical Cancer Day.
According to him, HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, mainly transmitted through sexual contact, explaining that most people become infected with HPV shortly after the onset of sexual activity.
Dr Saleh, therefore, urged parents of young females in the state between the ages of 9 and 14 years to take the ongoing HPV vaccination exercise very seriously, noting that it is a life-saving opportunity that would guarantee good health for them both now and in the future.
While assuring that the vaccine is safe for use and available in healthcare centres across the state, Saleh narrated that when it is administered, the vaccine helps to prevent young females from the agony and suffering that many women have experienced as a result of cervical cancer in the future.
“What has brought us here today is very important for every one of us, especially the 100 selected women. I am optimistic that they will give the needed support to the health care workers to perform the screening on them so that we will know if they have or do not have any health issues linked to the Human Papillomavirus.
As an agency, our doors will continue to remain open for all residents of the state. Our aim is that the people of the state should continue to enjoy good health. All we need is their cooperation for us to succeed in our efforts,” Dr Iskilu Saleh explained.
On her part, the Programme Coordinator, Pathfinder International, Nigeria, Fatima Maha, noted that the gesture was part of efforts aimed at eradicating cervical cancer across the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, and the country at large
As an agency, our doors will continue to remain open for all residents of the state. Our aim is that the people of the state should continue to enjoy good health. All we need is their cooperation for us to succeed in our efforts,” Dr Iskilu Saleh explained.
On her part, the Programme Coordinator, Pathfinder International, Nigeria, Fatima Maha, noted that the gesture was part of efforts aimed at eradicating cervical cancer across the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, and the country at large
While noting that arrangements had been concluded to vaccinate more girls, especially those who just clocked nine years of age, Maha commended the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency for its massive support thus far in ensuring the success of the vaccination programme in the state.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr John Damina, said that 90 per cent of the girls to be vaccinated against the HPV can only be possible with the support of parents and guardians in the state.
He, therefore, urged parents and guardians to give the needed support to healthcare providers, saying the ministry will continue to ensure that all the facilities are well equipped with the needed medical items to carry out the HPV screening and vaccinate the eligible girls.
Earlier, the Nasarawa State First Lady, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, called on women in the state to allow their children to be vaccinated against the deadly Human Papillomavirus, to avoid the health challenges associated with cervical cancer in the future.
She stated that the Nasarawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, had committed adequate resources to ensure that the health of all residents is guaranteed, particularly women and children.
Cervical cancer has led to the untimely death of many females, but it can be prevented if the vaccines are taken by the eligible girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years,” she explained.
Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, therefore, appreciated the State’s Primary Health Care Development Agency and Pathfinder International, Nigeria, for organising the free cervical cancer screening, explaining that it will go a long way in safeguarding the lives of the 100 selected women.
While appreciating Governor Abdullahi Sule and other development partners for their untiring efforts in the health sector of the state, the Sangarin Kwandare, Ahmadu Almakura, charged women in the area to take the issue of HPV vaccination with utmost importance to avoid cervical cancer challenges in the future.
