Lagos and Bauchi States Launch HPV Vaccination Campaigns for Adolescent Girls

Strategic Insights -

The Lagos State Government has commenced the first phase of the HPV campaign to prevent cervical cancer among girls between the ages of 9 and 14 across the state. The campaign aims to ensure a healthy population and empower community members with accurate information about the vaccine. The Wife of the state governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, emphasized the importance of preventing cervical cancer and encouraged stakeholders to sensitize the community about the vaccine's safety and benefits.

The HPV vaccine is free and has been tested to be safe. The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, UNICEF, and other agencies have contributed to the successful take-off of the campaign. Schools and primary health centers have been designated as vaccination centers to ensure wider coverage. Up to 19% of women who initiate sexual intercourse by the age of 15 have an increased risk of contracting the infection, according to the 2018 NDHS report.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lagos State Government has launched an HPV campaign to prevent cervical cancer among girls between 9 and 14 years old.
  • The campaign aims to ensure a healthy population and empower community members with accurate information about the vaccine.
  • The HPV vaccine is free and has been tested to be safe.
  • Schools and primary health centers have been designated as vaccination centers to ensure wider coverage.
  • Up to 19% of women who initiate sexual intercourse by the age of 15 have an increased risk of contracting the infection, according to the 2018 NDHS report.
  • The Chief of Lagos Field Office UNICEF, Celine Lafoucriere, described the launch of the campaign as a major milestone in the state's public health system.
  • In Bauchi State, a total of 400,000 girls have been targeted for inoculation against Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
  • The Health Specialist, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Emmanuel Emedo, said that the exercise targets girls within the age of nine and 14 to protect them against cervical cancer.
  • A total of 6,450 women have been engaged for mobilization across the 323 wards in Bauchi State.

Statistics:

  • The HPV campaign targets girls between 9 and 14 years old in Lagos State.
  • 19% of women who initiate sexual intercourse by the age of 15 have an increased risk of contracting the infection, according to the 2018 NDHS report.
  • A total of 400,000 girls have been targeted for inoculation against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Bauchi State.
  • A total of 6,450 women have been engaged for mobilization across the 323 wards in Bauchi State.
  • The campaign aims to ensure a healthy population and empower community members with accurate information about the vaccine.

Sources:

  • "Lagos State Government flags off HPV campaign for girls," Punch Newspapers, [No date] (Source: Punch Newspapers)
  • "UNICEF kicks off HPV vaccination campaign in Bauchi State," Daily Trust, [No date] (Source: Daily Trust)
  • 2018 NDHS report, National Demographic and Health Survey, 2018 (Source: National Demographic and Health Survey, 2018)