FG told to prioritise cervical cancer screening

President Earth’s Microorganisms Organisation (EMO), Lucky Omorogiuwa, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the availability of the HPV vaccine and cervical screening opportunities especially for women of reproductive age.

Omorogiuwa, in a press release to mark the International HPV Awareness Day campaign, said this was imperative given that HPV accounts for more than 70 per cent of cervical cancer case.

Omorogiuwa, a microbiologist at the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, said cancer of the cervix was one of the commonest types of female cancers, and also the second leading cause of death among women worldwide.

According to her, Africa records more cases of cervical cancer globally, adding that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had predicted that the cases are expected to double by 2030 due to lack of HPV education and awareness.

While underscoring the importance of increasing knowledge and education about HPV and HPV-related cancers, she said that HPV is the most sexually transmitted disease globally, adding that the virus can affect everyone.

“The majority of HPV infections are harmless, addressed by the body’s immune system and do not develop any symptoms. However, annually about 500,000 new cases are reported and about 250,000 deaths occur due to cervical cancer, according to the WHO.

“As HPV is very common and easy to transmit – around 80 per cent of us will be infected in our lifetimes – vaccination provides a good means of prevention. Other ways of reducing risk include abstinence, reduction in the number of sexual partners and consistent condom use

Also, we must continue to eliminate negative impressions and assertions that will impede the progression of HPV preventive tools like HPV vaccines that which all scientific research shows to be safe.

“We should continue to increase knowledge and education about HPV especially among people with low socioeconomic status.

“Women of reproductive age must become conscious enough to utilize this information and apply it, they must be available for routine cervical screening exercise.

“Individuals especially in developing nations must become aware enough to elect politicians who have positives and good plans for their health scheme.

“Corporate organisations must also be ready to assist the Non-Governmental Organisations involved in HPV awareness during HPV campaigns,” she declared.