Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday flagged off Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) routine vaccination against cervical cancer among women of reproductive age in the state.
The focus of vaccination are for girls ages from 9 to 14 to ensure that they are well protected against the virus as they grow up to maturity preparatory to childbearing period.
Aiyedatiwa, while speaking at the occasion in Akure, said preventing the disease was better, as the children are not just the future leaders, but architects of tomorrow’s world.
“It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary tools, opportunities, support and guidance to flourish and succeed, considering the envisioned future for them.
“This, therefore, brings to the fore the need for adequate protection for all children irrespective of their background, location, religious or ethnic affiliation so that the dream of a brighter future for them will not be an illusion.
“Anything malignant like the virus that affects the cervix is evil and should be dealt with at an early stage by taking the vaccine.
“This shows the kind of premium we place on our children’s healthcare as this will go a long way to prevent the incidence of cervical cancer among the female populace,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa, who said the issue of healthcare for children and other residents of the state could not be overlooked, stated that health workers were recently recruited.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Health, Dr Banjo Ajaka, said the virus was the second highest killer of women after breast cancer in the country.
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Ajaka said the programme is ongoing in 21 states and urged parents to encourage their girls of ages 9-14 to take the vaccine.
“The consequences of having cancer are family rejection, stigmatisation, and financial burden, which is very expensive to treat.
“There are lots of conspiracy theories about the vaccine that it will be used to reduce the population of the world, is not true,” he said. (NAN)
