Osun Government flags off immunization vaccine against Cervical Cancer tagged Human Papilloma virus Vaccine (HPV) ...Includes the vaccine into routine Immunization Schedule

By Ope Bello

The Osun State Government has flagged off immunization Vaccine called Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine which is to be taken by female children between the age of 9 and 14year (HPV) as lasting solution to the deadly Cervical Cancer disease affecting female folk.

According to the Governor, the vaccine has been included into the routine Immunization schedules and this is to be taken alongside other vaccines against various kinds of diseases.

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke made this known at Ede High School, Ede, during the program scheduled for the flag off of the vaccine to combat the deadly scourge called Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine popularly known as Cervical Cancer.

 According to the Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Ademola led government is always passionate to the wellbeing of all and sundries in the state and will continue to prioritize the health of the Osun people.

The state helmsman also used the medium to express gratitude to all supporting partners like WHO, UNICELF, CLINTON HEALTH ACCESS INITIATIVE(CHAI) and NIGERIA RED CROSS SOCIETY among others for their commitment towards maintaining good health  among human race.

When talking on how important the vaccine is, the Governor said, "the introduction of the HPV vaccine into our routine immunization program is not just a medical breakthrough, it is a beacon of hope for generations to come. By providing our young girls with this vaccine, we are not merely shielding them from a devastating disease; we are empowering them with the promise of a life unburdened by the fear of cervical cancer".

The Governor however, urged all the parents, caregivers and guardians to embrace this opportunity by ensuring that every eligible girl receives the HPV vaccine saying, the vaccine is safe and effective. He as well called on the concerned bodies in education sectors to incorporate information about HPV vaccination into curriculum of learning with a view to  fostering understanding and dispelling myths.

Also speaking at the event was the Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola who gave an account on the disease vulnerability tendency. 

According to him, one woman succumbs to the disease every two minutes and as a result, the most successful long-term intervention for lowering the risk of acquiring cervical cancer is vaccination of adolescent girls within the bracket of 9 and 14 years before the onset of sexual activities.

In his own remarks, the Chairman, Osun State Primary Healthcare Board, Hon Taju Adisa, encouraged all Osun indigenes and others residing within the state to take their female children especially those at the age bracket of 9 to 14years to the nearest facilities for the HPV vaccine uptake.