The government of Cross River State has launched a comprehensive one-week Human Papillomavirus, HPV, vaccination program, targeting teenage girls aged between 9 and 14 years.
Health authorities said the proactive initiative aims to curb the rising incidence of Cervical Cancer, a significant health threat to women in Nigeria.
The campaign which was flagged off by the wife of Cross River State governor, Eyoanwan Otu, at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, said the exercise will span all 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
She assured that officials will ensure widespread coverage and accessibility.
The Cross River State First lady highlighted the grave dangers posed by Cervical Cancer, stressing that early vaccination was crucial in preventing HPV infections, which were the primary cause of Cervical Cancer.
Dr. Vivian Mesembe, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, detailed the specifics of the vaccination program.
Nigeria’s efforts to increase vaccination rates are part of a broader strategy, to align with the World Health Organisation (WHO) global call for the elimination of Cervical Cancer as a public health problem.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
