Writing By Khadijat Aliyu; Editing By Godwin Duru
HPV Vaccine Key to Mitigating Cervical Cancer – Caregive
The human papillomavirus HPV vaccine has been described as a major catalyst in mitigating cervical cancer.
A caregiver in Kano, Zainab Abdullahi, made the indication shortly after presenting her daughter during the HPV vaccine community outreach organized by Pathfinder International and KNSPHCMB at Panshekara cikin Gari, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano.
According to her, she lost her eldest daughter, who battled cancer for several years and would do everything possible to see that females receive the HPV vaccine.
Another care giver, Bilkisu Aliyu Panshekara, expressed happiness over the HPV vaccine uptake campaign by Pathfinder.
She highlighted that her daughters and neighbors received the vaccine after sensitization by health workers at Panshekara Primary Healthcare PHC.
The ward head Panshekara Malam Alhassan Lawan urged parents and guardians to utilize the opportunity and present their 9-14 year old daughters for the HPV vaccine.
He noted that as a multi-religious and ethnic community, people have complied with the directives as pastors and imams have joined the traditional institution in sensitizing the public.
Malam Alhassan hinted that, as a traditional leader he will do everything possible to mobilize his people for the vaccination to achieve the desired objectives.
“I commend Pathfinder International for the initiative and hope they will sustain the tempo”.
The routine immunization RI service provider Panshekara Primary Health Centre Zainab Ibrahim Abdullahi pointed out that the turnout in the area is encouraging.
She explained that they engaged the services of a town crier who went to every nook and cranny to inform the public about the upcoming campaign.
She said district and ward heads in Panshekara were also informed to enable the campaign to penetrate the grassroots.
Zainab posited that eligible children will receive the HPV vaccine across PHCs In the state, saying that it is free , safe and effective.
“The outreach aims at informing the public about the campaign and immunizing eligible children but the vaccine is not for this period alone but will continue at Panshekara PHC”.
Radio Nigeria reports that Pathfinder International, in collaboration with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Cancer Society, and government agencies, enhanced HPV vaccine uptake through a project tagged: Enhancing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Awareness and Uptake in Nigeria.
The campaign seeks to increase uptake of the HPV vaccine, awareness about cervical cancer, and use of self-care practices.
As recommended by the World Health Organization, the HPV vaccine is primarily meant for girls ages 9-14, before initiation of sexual activity.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
