The Gombe state government says it has targeted 336,000 girls for vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
The Wife of the state governor, Asmau Inuwa stated this at the inauguration of the exercise on Monday in Gombe.
HPV is a virus that is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and can develop in sexually active persons.
It is a primary cause of Cervical cancer and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus, hence the vaccination exercise to protect young girls before exposure to the virus.
Inuwa said the vaccination is an opportunity to restore hope to young girls, and stressed the need for awareness creation on the importance of the vaccine to mobilise participation.
“Sadly, the virus leads to Cervical cancer if not attended to however with routine vaccination, which is free, these girls would live beyond the fear and injury that is beyond treatment
”The state government decided to lead by example as officials give their wards for vaccination.
”This has strengthened the cause for enlightenment to change the narrative and misconception about the vaccine,” she said.
Earlier, Dr Habu Dahiru, the Commissioner for Health, said the exercise targeted girls between the ages of nine to 14 across the 17 local government areas of the state.
He described the introduction of the HPV vaccine as a rare privilege, adding that the state is committed to reducing the burden of Cervical cancer, especially among young girls.
Dahiru reiterated the government’s commitment to support interventions aimed at strengthening the health system, to improving the lives and wellbeing of women and children.
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