Ekiti State Government has announced its plans to vaccinate 300,000 girl-child against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in 16 local government areas of the state.
Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji, the first lady of the state, requested parents and guardians to bring their wards between ages 9 and 14 for immunization against the deadly virus which is a prominent source of cervical cancer.
“To the parents and guardians here today, I urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to protect your daughters. Please encourage your friends and neighbours to do the same. Let’s all become ambassadors for this cause; spreading the words in our communities and ensuring that no girl is left behind in this campaign,” Mrs Olayemi Oyebanji said at the HPV Vaccination campaign ceremony held at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti.
“Prevention is better than cure. This vaccine is an antidote against HPV to prevent cervical cancer. It’s for the benefit of everyone. We want to assure our parents that this vaccine is safe, and it has no harm in our kids.” She added.
A guest speaker, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, also expressed confidence in the vaccine, mentioning that the state government has made plans to vaccinate the stated number of girls during the 5-day exercise.
The Commissioner said that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), WHO and other relevant global agencies have assured the safety and potency of the HPV vaccine.
Furthermore, Dr Filani highlighted that, aside from the vaccination process, the campaign was to also raise awareness about the deadly disease.
He concluded, stating that by vaccinating the girls, the state has granted them immunity against the deadly virus and therefore, provided them a healthier life.
