Oyo First Lady, Tamunominini Makinde flags off HPVV, says Gov’t committed to well being of children

Oyo First Lady, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, on Monday, flagged off ceremony for Human Papilloma VirusVaccination (HPVV) roll out in Oyo state, stating that Oyo Government is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of Nigeria’s youth, particularly young girls.

Mrs Makinde, who was represented by the Wife of Oyo Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal, at the official ceremony held at Saint Paul Anglican Primary School, lyanbule, Basorun, Ibadan, noted that the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HV) vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years is essentially to safeguard the future of our children and tackle a significant health challenge head-on.

She posited that, as a mother with gift of milk of passion for the young ones, it is crucial to get our children vaccinated in order to maintain good health, just as she had brought her granddaughter to be vaccinated.

According to the First Lady, the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is the primary cause of cervical cancer which is the fourth most common cancer globally and the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria. Cervical cancer is a devastating disease that affects women all over the world, and our beloved Nigeria is no exception. It is a leading cause of death among women in our nation, and the burden of this disease has weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of our healthcare community, hence the reason it must be viewed with a binocular of public health importance.

She added that the Government of Governor Seyi Makinde is investing heavily in the health sector because of the premium placed on health among his government’s cardinal objectives.

In her words, “Today, we take a momentous step towards addressing this issue. We are introducing the HPV vaccine, a medical breakthrough that provides effective protection against the most harmful strains of the virus. This vaccine is proven to significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection and, subsequently, the development of cervical cancer.

“The decision to administer the HPV vaccine to girls aged 9 to 14 years is guided by sound scientific evidence. At this age, the vaccine is most effective, providing a strong shield against the virus before any potential exposure. This proactive approach will ensure that our girls have a better chance at a healthy future, free from the spectre of cervical cancer.

“Furthermore, we have taken a comprehensive approach to ensure that the HPV vaccine is readily available and free. We are collaborating with healthcare providers, schools, and communities to guarantee that all eligible girls receive the vaccine. The vaccine, will also be integrated into the routine immunization schedule, making it as accessible as any other routine vaccine available in government health facilities.

“In addition, we are supporting the efforts being made by the health authorities to provide education and awareness campaigns to inform parents, guardians, and communities about the importance of the HPV vaccine. Knowledge is power, and with the right information, we can empower our citizens to make informed decisions about the health of their children.

“As we move forward, we must collectively embrace our role in this transformative endeavor. I implore you to join in these efforts and ensure that your daughters, granddaughters, wards, nieces, cousins, sisters within the 9 to 14 age bracket receive the HPV vaccine which will be provided in schools, within community and in health facilities over the next few days. Together, we can eliminate cervical cancer in Oyo State and Nigeria.

“The Government of Governor Seyi Makinde is investing heavily in the health sector because of the premium placed on health among his government’s cardinal objectives. The Primary Health Care sector is being revamped while strengthening the secondary health care services and not leaving the tertiary facilities in limbo.

“In closing, the introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years marks a significant milestone in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our nation’s young girls. We reiterate our commitment to reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria and providing our girls with a healthier, brighter future.

“Thank you, and may we continue to work together to build a healthier, more resilient Nigeria and much more importantly, a healthier and prosperous Oyo State.”

Earlier, the Oyo Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, stressed the need of being vaccinated to ensure good health, urging the children to encourage their friends who are yet to be vaccinated.

Chief (Mrs) Iswiat Abiola Ameringun, the Iyaloja-General of Ibadanland, however, assured that market women will keep working with the Oyo government to ensure that children receive the recommended vaccinations.

She disclosed that she had successfully arranged for the vaccination of more than 200 children before attending the program.

The event was attended by E.S OYPHCB Dr. Olatunji; Dr Pry Health Care, Dr Olayemi Osoko; Dr Sec Health Care, Dr. Adekunle Aremu; Mrs Akande Afusat; Dr Nursing, Mrs Arinade Oyebode; Mr Olabode Kehinde and Mr Olarinde Olaoye.

Others were Mrs Fausat Yeye Adenike; Mrs Ogundare Atinuke; Alhaja Faoziyat Adeleye; PTA Chairman and representatives of World Health Organizations (WHO); UNICEF; CHAI and host of others.