The Stakeholder in the Health Sector in Bauchi and Jigawa have expressed their Delight over the substantial participation in the ongoing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination exercise in the States.
Health experts, activists, and Government Officials, among others, commented on the HPV Vaccination exercise in Bauchi, Dutse, and Gombe, emphasizing that this achievement would enhance awareness about the Symptoms, preventive measures, and case management of the Disease in the Country.
HPV, according to the Planned Parenthood Organization, is the most prevalent Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), typically harmless and self-resolving, but certain types can lead to Cancer or Genital warts.
The Disease affects the genital area, including the Vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, scrotum, mouth, and throat.
Some types of HPV cause common ailments such as hand and plantar warts on the feet, which are not Transmitted Sexually.
While some forms of the Disease can be prevented through Vaccination, others may persist and require Medical Diagnosis for treatment.
In Nigeria, over 1.5 million cases of HPV are recorded Annually.
To combat this pervasive Disease, the Federal Government has Initiated a Comprehensive Vaccination exercise targeting millions of girls aged between nine and 14.
The exercise, scheduled to take place simultaneously between October and November, is being conducted across 16 selected States in the Country.
Mr. Malami Danjuma, the Health Education Officer in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, noted that the State has witnessed a significant turnout in the ongoing HPV Vaccination exercise, particularly at the Grassroots level.
He highlighted that approximately 31,350 out of the 48,000 targeted girls have already received the Vaccine, protecting against Cervical cancer as they reach Reproductive age.
