The federal government is set to introduce the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in the country.
The vaccine will be given to children and adolescents between the ages nine to 15 years across the country.
Executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this yesterday at the Bi-annual Religious Leaders Review Meeting, organised by the agency, in Abuja.
He said, “I want to use this auspicious occasion to bring to your attention the progress we are making towards preventing one of the deadliest diseases that affects our mothers, sisters and daughters: cervical cancer.
‘This cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). On the 25th of September this year, we will be introducing a vaccine, the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer when given to our daughters between the ages 9 to 15 years.”
He urged the religious leaders to join hands with the medical community in championing the cause of HPV vaccination in the country.
“By encouraging HPV vaccination within your congregations, you become advocates of life and guardians of health. You help dispel myths and fears, fostering a culture of prevention and care. This step aligns with the teachings of compassion, protection and stewardship that your faiths emphasised,” he added.
