By Uzo Ugwunze/Gloria Anaeze :
The Supervisory Councillor for Health, Idemili North Local Government Area, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Director of Health Authority, Mrs Chinwe Okeke, Social Mobilization Officer/Health Educator, Mrs Chinenye Okpala Nwankwo have assured community leaders that the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus( HPV), vaccine is to reduce the burden of Cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer amongst women in Nigeria.
Speaking during the Idemili North Stakeholders Engagement Meeting for HPV vaccine Intensification at Ogidi, Dr Nkem Okeke said that the program was organized by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA) in collaboration with state Ministry of Health and partners
“We are sensitizing you to sensitize your community members. Actual Intensification vaccination will begin on December 3, 2024.
HOD Health Idemili North, Mrs Chinwe Okeke lamented that Idemili North was among the three LGAS that did not do well during the uptake of the vaccine, hence the need to repeat the vaccination uptake. “The Cervical cancer is dangerous and a killer disease that affects the mouth of the cervix or neck of the womb.
“It is only this December that it would be made available for everyone within 9 to 14 years but from next year it will become a routine immunization for only children who will be 9 years,” she noted.
Deputy Mayor Idemili North, Lady Phina Onwuachu suggested that private schools and churches be sensitized to advice their children to take up the vaccines.
Earlier in his remarks, the Leader of Idemili North Councillors, Nze Anikpe commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for seeing that the program is repeated to make sure that the number of children who are the target population are reached.
Chairman’s wife, Lady Ebere Nkwoka reiterated the need to discard the unfounded rumors and encourage eligible children to receive the vaccines.
- Ugwunze and Anaeze are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *