Stakeholders urged to support HPV sensitisation as Ebonyi begins vaccination

Religious, community, women leaders and other stakeholders in Ebonyi State have been charged to join hands with the state government in enlightening girls within their area to take part in the vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

They received the call at Okposhi community, Ezza North local government area, in the state when Okechukwu Okeke, a female youth leader in the state organized a rally to enlighten the people on the health benefits of the vaccination.

According to her, it is necessary that the public be made to understand that the vaccine is free, not harmful and does not have any side effects, hence the need for people to dismiss any form of fear and come out en-mass for the vaccination, to prevent the virus among children.

She then noted the need for all hands to be on deck in the mobilisation of eligible female children between the ages of nine and thirteen to actualize the reason for the Vaccination.

Also, the traditional ruler of the community Anthony Njoku, called on other community leaders to mobilise their female children to get vaccinated as he and other stakeholders from the area promised to mobilise their children to ensure massive compliance.

Recall that HPV is considered the leading cause of cervical cancer in women.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, together with the representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), and other partners have monitored the progress of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination in schools.

Speaking at Green Land College, Nkaliki in Abakaliki Local Government Area, the Commissioner commended the Principal of the school for allowing the female students aged 9-14 years to come out in their numbers to receive vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Ekuma who described cervical cancer as the second most common cancer among women in developing countries like ours said that the vaccination is free and enjoined parents and guardians to release their female children and wards within the age range for the vaccination.

Some of the vaccinated students who spoke including Miss Uchechukwu Blessing and Miss Okeh Nkechi thanked the government and partners for the initiative.

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