- 787 Schoolgirls Vaccinated, more underway
Close to 800 girls were today (Monday, 27th May, 2024) vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The first Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson Nigeria Governors Spouse’s Forum- Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, made the statement while flagging-off the rollout of HPV Vaccine and Greening Our Future Initiative, held at the Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, Ilorin.
“Weldone students. 787 have been vaccinated here today, and we are still ongoing. So Please continue to present yourself student. Well-done and Happy Children’s Day once again to the children of the future” said the First Lady.
While appreciating the efforts of development partners for the successful campaign, Prof.(Mrs) Abdulrazaq noted that with the vaccine, 90 percent death toll being recorded in the past owing to cancer of the cervix would be greatly reduced.
“In complementing the efforts that culminated in incorporating the HPV vaccine into the National routine immunization schedule and today’s roll out however, I urge us as key stakeholders in our respective communities to continue to amplify awareness and sensitization on the benefits of presenting eligible children for the vaccine. This no doubt will entail engagements with our communities, traditional and religious institutions to educate, inform, and dispel any misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine.” She appealed.
On his part, the Country’s Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)- Christian Munduate, disclosed that 230,000 doses of the vaccines have been sent to Kwara State for young girls aged 9-14 years, which according to him attests to the premium placed on health by the first Lady.
According to him, the vaccine is safe, the UNICEF representative stressed that the vaccine works as it can prevent 8 out of the 10 Cancers.
“In the world a woman dies for cervical cancer every two minutes” he added.
Head of Mission & Representative , World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria- Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo in his address, at the occasion applauded the Kwara State government and gave assurance of more collaborations.
In his words: “Economic change is a hell of our challenges today, and we need to address it in a more collaborative way. By launching the two events today we find it very significant in where we are heading on behalf of the World Health Organisation and other development partners, I will like to join you in this effort and assure you that we will stay committed until the job is done”.
The assistant head girl of the school- Ms. Omokoye Peace, who was among the participant of the initiative, thanked the government for flagging-off the vaccination and for most importantly starting with their school.
“The benefit of this immunization to the girl child is that it helps to prevent, reduce and in fact decrease the number of victims of cervical cancer and its spread in society at large”, she added