Pulse.ng : KDSG begins cervical cancer vaccination for adolescent girls

By Stella Kabruk

The Kaduna State Primary Health Development Agency has commence vaccination of human papilloma virus (cervical cancer) for young girls in the state.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony on Tuesday in kaduna, the State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarebe said human papilloma virus is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and causes more than 90 per cent of cases of cervical cancer.

She said the human papilloma virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and most people are affected with it shortly after the onset of sexual activity.

” Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and the second most common cancer affecting women in the country with an estimate of 12,075 reported new cases and 7,968 deaths recorded in 2020 alone”.

” This high burden of cervical cancer is attributed to several factors including poor access to human papilloma virus vaccination services, poor screening and treatment services,low awareness and inadequate access to health care especially in rural areas.

According to her, to improve the health status of the girls and women ,and have them protected from the scourge of cervical cancer, the state is introducing the vaccine.

” This effort is in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the are introducing the vaccine into the routine immunisation schedule.

Balarebe directed all the 23 local government areas to conduct wide flag off of the events.

” As we have successfully changed the course of polio towards eradication in the state, I want to assure you all that very soon we shall interrupt the transmission of human papilloma virus particularly in Kaduna and the country at large.

” I will therefore,count on your unwavering participation in this exercise because it’s success is our collective responsibility.

She urged parents to ensure all adolescents girls between ages nine to 14 benefits from the vaccination so that they will be fully protected.

In a remark, the state commissioner for health Umma Kaltume-Ahmed said the state is committed to boost service delivery.

She said the vaccine is safe and free and urges parents to ensure their daughters are vaccinated.

The commissioner appreciated all partners, traditional and religious leaders for their unflinching support, commitment and contribution towards ensuring routine immunisation is improved in the state.

Also speaking, Dr Huraira Zakaria of the World Health Organization appreciate the state government for their support and assured them of good working relationship.

” We will make sure that all girls are immunized even after the campaign exercise.(NAN)