The Bauchi State government on Saturday, moved to vaccinate girls between the ages of nine and 14 years against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
It was gathered that the Bauchi Primary Health Care Development Agency (BASPHCDA) consequently inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG), consisting of medical experts, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners, to develop activities geared to support the move.
Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of BASPHCDA, while ddressing the group in Bauchi, said 16 states, including Bauchi State had been selected nationwide for the first phase of the vaccination.
“The overall purpose of the TWG will focus on coordination, introduction, and decision-making for the smooth introduction of the vaccine.
“The group will be responsible for mapping all relevant HPV stakeholders, monitor and track readiness of board and track funding for the rollout of the vaccine,’’ he said.
In his remarks, the Director of Planning Research and Statistics at the agency, Dr Jibreel Mohammed, said that the vaccine was introduced to protect women from cervical cancer, adding that the HPV vaccine would be integrated into routine immunisation from 2024.
Mohammed expressed concern about the prevalence of cancer among women and stressed that collective efforts must be made to reduce the burden by targeting young girls for the vaccine.
He added that the campaign would be taken to schools, health facilities, and worship centres for easy access to beneficiaries.
In his presentation, Mr Jinjiri Garba, Chairman, Bauchi Network of Civil Society Organisation assured of the network’s commitment to make a success of the vaccination programme.
NAN