Following the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and its introduction into the country’s routine immunization program, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has hailed the vaccination drive of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State.
While commending the vaccination coverage, Gavi noted that the states showed impressive planning, communication and delivery of the vaccines in the schools. It also lauded the level of collaboration of the states with traditional and religious leaders and bodies, educationists, and others in ensuring that young girls in the communities were vaccinated.
Lafiya360 reports that the Head of the HPV Program at Gavi, Emily Kobayashi, made this known during a field visit to the Government Junior Secondary School (GJSS), Asokoro, Abuja; and the Government Secondary School (GSS), Bakin-Ado, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, to witness the immunization sessions.
The Chairman of Karu Local Government Area (LGA), James Thomas, noted that he had meetings with religious and traditional leaders to sensitize them about the vaccine, urging parents to seize every opportunity of vaccination to protect their children against HPV and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Principal of GJSS, Asokoro, Malam Izzi Jaafaru Madaki, explained that the eligible girls in the school got their parents’ approval to receive the vaccine. She however stated that a few parents refused to get their children vaccinated.
The Principal of GSS, Bakin-Ado, Hajiya Aminatu Idris, while noting the immense benefits of the HPV vaccine, advocated for the introduction of the vaccine for boys and adult women, especially with the rising disease burden across the country.