DR. NONYE SOLUDO FLAGGED OFF 2024 HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS VACCINE
Ifeanyi C. Nwegbo/Nnedimma Okeke/Chukwudi Nwauba :
The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo has called on women and girls, aged 9-14 years to be allowed to embark on the important initiative of free human papilloma virus vaccine which promises to safeguard their health from cervical cancer for their well being.
Dr. Soludo made the called during flagging off ceremony of human papilloma virus vaccine at Micheal Tansi Memorial Secondary School, Aguleri.
She said that the vaccine will tackle a significant health challenge which might cause the death of our women in the country.
She also said that the vaccine is free as well as conducting free cervical screening in the health facilities in Anambra State to provide early detection to our women in the state at large.
Dr. Soludo commended the efforts of Anambra State Government through which the Ministry of Health and Anambra State Primary Health Centres and partnership with WHO, UNICEF, others as supporting the state government efforts by taken health campaign to the next level.
While speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo has done so well in the health sector of Ndi Anambra, mostly for picking interest in planning for children from the time they are conceived till they are grown.
Dr Obidike said, “In the first phase of papilloma virus vaccine, Anambra East Local Government Area participated very low and that is why they chose Anambra East.
He thanked Gov. Soludo for renovating Umueri General Hospital and the construction of Enugwu Otu General Hospital, Aguleri for the people living around that community.
The Executive Secretary Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Pharm. Chisom Uchem said that the essence of introducing this HPV vaccine is for a medical breakthrough that provides effective protection against the most harmful strains of virus.
She said that the decision to administer the HPV vaccine to girls 9 to14 years is guided by sound scientific evidence. At this age, the vaccine is most effective, providing a strong shield against the virus before any potential exposure.
According to her, this proactive approach will ensure that our girls have a better chance at a healthy future, free from the spectre of cervical cancer.
The Zonal Coordinator of South East World Health Organisation, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboeko thanked Gov. Soludo and his team for allowing the introduction of HPV vaccines in Anambra State in order to avoid cervical cancer.
He explained that the ravages of cervical cancer is real in our country at large, and urged parents to allow their children and women to take the vaccine.
Dr. Igboeko encouraged Anambra State Government to always support health because good health will yield a lot of potential dividend and political Capital for the government.
The Vice Chancellor of Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof. Kate Omenugha and Provost College of Education Nsugbe, Dr. Justina Anyadiegwu congratulated Gov. Soludo for strategic changes he brought to Anambra State at large.
She thanked Mrs Soludo for her care toward women and children in the state and promised that they will partner and mobilize people to make sure that this HPV Vaccine get to the target audience.
The Chairman House Committee on Health, Mr. Tony Muobuike thanked Gov. Soludo for keeping to his promise of offering free HPV Vaccine to the children and women of Anambra State.
He promised that House of Assembly will do all in their reach to make sure that Soludo’s mission and vision to this will come to manifestation.
The event attracted lots of dignitaries including Ndi Igwe, former TC Chairman Anambra East, Dr. Anselm Onuorah , Female professors of Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam and staff of Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe.
*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*