Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has flagged off mass Human Papiloma Virus vaccination of 388,180 girls aged 9-14 years against cervical cancer.
The house-to-house vaccinations is slated to last for three months, after which interested persons would access the service across the 226 primary health care facilities in the state.
Speaking for the governor at Luggere ward, venue of the exercise, the state Deputy governor, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta
stated that the choice of girls aged 9-14 for the vaccine is to offer them protection and immunity ahead of exposure to the virus.
“The vaccine has been used in several parts of the world with huge successes. These countries do not have the burden of cervical cancer anymore.
“This administration has procured and distributed needed equipment, consumables, drugs and supplies to the facilities,” Fintiri said, urging parents and caregivers to utilize the facilities and investment in the health sector aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the citizens.
In his remark, Mr Felex Tangwami, Commissioner for health, debunked traditional belief that the vaccine is targeted to cut down population in the state.
Also speaking, Dr Yohanna Markus, State Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA lauded government efforts in the payment of counterpart fund, which led to adaption of proactive measure in the state
Dr Bashir Suleiman, Executive Secretary, ADPHCDA appreciated government for providing political will for the agency’s optimal performance.
By Hussaini Hammangabdo Yola
