JSI, Kogi Govt. Engages Media On Success Of Cervical Cancer, HPV Vaccination Exercise
- Vaccination In Kogi State starts on 27th May, 2024
By Abubakar Suleman
A Non-Governmental Organization John-Snow International, (JSI) in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, (KPHDA) has called on practicing journalists in Kogi State to assist in creating awareness to the public through their various media outfits to ease the exercise on preventing cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Kogi State.
The workshop which took place at the conference hall of Ayoneke Hotel, Lokoja on Tuesday witnessed media dialogue on Cervical cancer and HPV vaccination.
The programme focused on the overview of Human Papilloma Virus, (HPV) program partners initiative, (HAPPI), the Social Behavioral Change Focal Person for John-Stow International, (JSI).
Mr. Kannah Terri Ibrahim said in 2020, over 600,000 Women were affected by cervical cancer worldwide, “Out of this figure, more than 50 percent lost their lives. Those diagnosed of cervical cancer according to research are Women living in developing Countries like Nigeria” he stated.
Ibrahim further said that, the organization is kick starting the second phase of the vaccine in which Kogi State happen to be one of the beneficiary.
“The campaign started in 2023, and 16 States benefitted from the first phase of the vaccination and now Kogi State will join other states to benefit from the second phase of the exercise, saying that there target is girl child between ages of 9 to 14 years.
According to him, “We will be engaging stakeholders such as traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and schools to ensure effective implementation of this vaccines in Kogi State, “he added.
According to him, the media plays a vital role in the implementation of the vaccines across the State, stressing that, they will help to counter any misconception concerning the vaccine.
In her presentation at the workshop, on the topic, “understanding the cervical cancer disease, burden in Nigeria” the consultant with KSPHCDA, Dr Mary Onoja Alexander said that, cervical cancer and breast cancer are the most common in Women among development Countries.
Dr Alexander posited that, the intake of the vaccine will help stabilize the immune system to fight the virus in the body.
She averred further that, early vaccination will help in the protection of the girl child against cervical cancer.
“HPV vaccine protects against certain types of cancer caused by human papilloma virus. It works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the human papilloma virus. When a person receives the vaccine, their immune system recognizes the viral proteins in the vaccine and produces a response that protects against HPV infections”.
“Australia, Canada, USA have made cervical cancer vaccine a routine. But in Africa, it is not the same. The environment is a major factor for this deadly disease. That is why we are saying that vaccination is the safest way to prevent cervical cancer in Africa”.
She, however, added that, the flag off of the vaccine process in Kogi State will be done on the 27th of May 2024 across the 21 Local Government Area of the State.
