Wife of the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Mrs. Helen Mutfwang has flagged off the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination in Plateau State with a call on parents and guidance to avail their children and wards for the exercise.
The Plateau State first lady made the call on Monday at the flagging off of the vaccination which coincided with the National Children’s Day celebration held at Victoria Gowon Hall, New Government House Little Rayfield, Jos.
She stressed the importance of healthy life among citizens and the commitment of the Plateau State Government to the safety of Children and all citizens, noting that the campaign should get to every nook and cranny of the state.
The first lady appreciated Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu and the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang for their support in making the vaccine available.
In his remark, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Raymond Juryit said over 70,000 Nigerians died of Cancer every year and 14% of them died of Cervical Cancer.
He added that recently, it was discovered that Cancer develops due to Human Papilloma Virus, so according to him, preventing one’s self from contracting human papilloma virus, prevents one from cancer.
Dr. Juryit admitted that cancer is a deadly disease, but hope to achieve 100% of vaccination and assured that with the commitment of the “Time is Now” administration, they desire to make the vaccine available at Primary Health centres as a routine exercise.
Key messages at the flag off of the vaccination campaign were the assurance to parents that the HPV vaccine is safe and essential step in protecting their daughters from cervical cancer later in life and that it is the best defense against HPV related cancers.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is a common virus that can affect different parts of the body and anyone can become infected if they have sex or close skin-to-skin genital contact with partner with the virus. Also, anyone with the virus can spread it to another partner during intercourse, oral sex, anal sex or the close genital contact
The vaccination which was officially flag off today is for Girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years and would end on the 2nd June, 2024.
The event was Organised alongside the National Children’s Day celebration as children from different Schools gathered for the celebration where they perform in dance and participated in Quiz and debate.
The event also provided an opportunity to educate the students on the importance of vaccine, let them know that the vaccine is crucial as it is a step towards preventing them.
There were messages from the Commissioners of Health, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk and that Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Caroline Dafur and presentations by Barrister Olivia Dazyem
During the event, the 7th Plateau State Children’s Parliament was inaugurated with Rt. Hon. Gyang Daniella from Barkin Ladi as the Speaker.
