The Ogun State Government has begun the vaccination of eligible young girls of ages 9 to 14 against Cervical Cancer.
The state government is carrying out the vaccination exercise in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and development partners.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker disclosed this while delivering her keynote address during the flag-off of the introduction of the Human Papiloma Virus Vaccine(HPV), into routine immunization schedule in the state at Iperu in Ikenne Local Government Area of the State.
Dr. Coker described the HPV vaccine as an important milestone of progress towards achieving the SDG of the present administration.
Coker said cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer in women globally, saying that the high burden of it was attributed to several factors which includes, poor access to the vaccination services, poor screening and treatment services, low awareness and inadequate access to healthcare especially in rural areas.
She further enjoined parents to key into the programme as it would result to 90% reduction of cervical abnormalities among vaccinated women, adding that the vaccine has been scientifically proven to be safe and effective in preventing the infection and risk of cervical cancer. She said that it has also been certified by the National Agency for Food Administration and Control.
In his welcome address, the Chairman Ikenne Local Government, Hon Olusegun Ogunleye, encouraged parents to get their children vaccinated, saying low awareness and inadequate access to vaccination led to the high rate of Cervical Cancer in the country.
Religious and community leaders, civil society and stakeholders in the health sector however gave kudos to the Ogun State government for bringing the vaccine to their doorsteps.
High point of the ceremony was the symbolic vaccination of students drawn across schools in Ikenne Local Government.
There were goodwill messages from some stakeholders who graced the occasion like representative of World Health Organization, UNICEF, National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA, Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), religious organisations.
