Chinedum Treasure
Anambra State government has reassured the safety and efficacy of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine against Cervical Cancer.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike gave the assurance at a news conference in Awka on Thursday to refute rumours that the vaccine was not safe and was meant to depopulate the country.
He said the vaccine provides over 80 per cent protection against Cervical Cancer, adding that the free HPV vaccination launched in the state on Tuesday was part of strategies to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the state and country at large.
According to him, with 12,000 cases diagnosed and 8,000 deaths recorded annually, it is equivalent to 33 new cervical cancer cases and 22 deaths daily in Nigeria.
Obidike who disclosed that his mother died of cervical cancer, said such bitter experience was powerful reminder of how vulnerable many women were to cervical cancer in areas where resources for basic things were limited.
He said, “The HPV vaccine is not new, it has been in existence years ago and it costs between N25,000 and N30,000. Many families can not afford it, but those who can afford it have been vaccinating their girl-child.
“Study shows that 22 Nigerian women die daily because they could not afford the vaccine and the millions of naira needed to treat cervical cancer. Hence, the launch and introduction of the vaccine into routine immunisation.
“When we vaccinate our girls, ages nine to 14, who are yet to be exposed to the virus, they have 80 per cent protection from Cervical Cancer in future.
“Cervical Cancer is a vaccine preventable disease and making it free for the girl-child is a solution to stop the daily deaths and bring about large reductions in cases of cervical cancer in the future.”
The Commissioner appealed to parents, guardians, teachers, religious and traditional leaders to encourage the girl-child to get vaccinated to save the child’s health and future.
Also speaking, Coordinator, World Health Organisation Southeast Zonal, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu urged the public to disregard the information on social media, describing it as false and fake.
He charged the media to publicize and educate the public on the importance of the vaccine to dispel the myths and false information circulating on social media.
“Now that social media has been monitised, the rumour mongers are spreading false information about the HPV vaccine to create content, generate traffic, get followership, trend and make money.
“Enugu State introduced the vaccine in early 2023, and up until this moment, no news of complications or death have been recorded.
“The vaccine is safe and effective. The vaccine is to prevent cervical cancer among our young girls and it is in the best interest of our girl-child, ” he said.
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