By Uzo Ugwunze
The Supervisory Councillor for Health Idemili North Local Government Area (INLGA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, Director INLGA Health Authority, Mrs Chinwe Okeke, Social Mobilization Officer/Health Educator, Mrs Chinenye Okpala Nwankwo have assured community leaders that the introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine is to reduce the burden of Cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer amongst women in Nigeria.
Speaking during the Idemili North Stakeholders Engagement Meeting for HPV vaccine Intensification at Ogidi, Dr Nkem Okeke said that the program was organized by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA) in collaboration with State Ministry of Health and Partners.
“We are sensitizing you to sensitize your community members. Actual Intensification vaccination will begin on December 3, 2024.
Because of the population of Idemili North, Aguata and Orumba North LGAs the target meant to be covered during the HPV vaccination uptake last May was not met.
“Today people live in fear so the community Stakeholders need to know the benefits of the HPV vaccination and the preventable danger if not taken so that you can help convince members of your community to avail their children the opportunity to become vaccinated now it is still free of charge.
“The eligible persons that will take the HPV vaccine include Adolescent Girls of between 9 to 14 years. The HPV vaccine is safe, free and effective.
I want to thank in a very special the Mayor of Idemili North, Chief Stanley Nkwoka for his support to ensure that his LGA is not left behind,” said Dr. Okeke
Moreover,HOD health Idemili North, Mrs Chinwe Okeke lamented that Idemili North was among the three LGAS that did not do well during the uptake of the vaccine, hence the need to repeat the vaccination uptake.
“We are here to discuss with the Stakeholders because you are important, an influencer and someone who will speak comfortable to your people in a way they will understand and believe that the government mean well to the people.
“It is my heartbeat to reach out to school children where we have the age bracket 9 to 14 years and I am happy Deputy Mayor, Lady Phina Onwuachu is here and she will help us convince the private school associations to allow the children take the HPV vaccine. Those who took the HPV vaccine before should not take it again except if the person is a sickle cell patient, diabetic or have any form of low immune system”, she said.
SMO Health Idemili North, Okpala Nwankwo Chinenye, I and my HOD Health will do our best to make sure that this LGA will no longer be left behind at the scheme of things.
“The Cervical cancer is dangerous and a killer disease that affects the mouth of the cervix or neck of the womb. The HPV which is infected through exposure to sexual activity can stay in a female for about 30 years before it develops into full blown cervical cancer. Help us by starting at grassroots to disseminate this message for a better health for our children tomorrow.
“Political jobbers and content creators use the social media to distract people from embracing immunization which is a major way of prevention of STD infection. HPV is transmitted through mucus, skin touch via sexual intercourse.
“HPV vaccine prevents genital wax, cervical cancer and some other related cancer. It is safe, effective and free.
It takes 5 to 15 years to complete series of research before a vaccine is approved as a universal vaccine. So, no government or country will allow a vaccine not verified to be administered to her citizens.
“It is only this December that it would be made available for everyone within 9 to 14 years but from next year it will become a routine immunization for only children who will be 9 years.
“We shall face rejection but that is the essence why Stakeholders and community influencers are here so we can call upon you to convince your people ,” said Mrs Okpala Nwankwo.
According to the Deputy Mayor Idemili North, Lady Phina Onwuachu, as one in charge of all the schools in LGA it falls within my purview and today I am happy that we are holding this Stakeholders Meeting. I suggest that private school association and church association should be sensitized to advice their children to take up the vaccines”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Leader of Idemili North Councillors, Nze Anikpe stated: “I must commend His Excellency, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for seeing that the program is repeated to make sure that the number of children who are the target population are reached. This is because of his passion for the welfare of Ndi Anambra.
“We are gathered here as Stakeholders for us to help allay the fears so that schools and churches will be eager to receive the vaccines. Please Let us act with the information and directive given to us not just wait to receive the stipend and abandon the voluntary call.
“Be Sincere, I want to assure you that any additional fund you spend to ensure that nothing stops you from carrying out the sensitization may be refunded even if it requires a legislation.
Chairman’s wife, Lady Ebere Nkwoka reiterated the need to discard the unfounded rumors and encourage eligible children to receive the vaccines.
“It does not have any side effects instead it will protect the children. Prevention is better than cure. Let the parents, guardians and teachers advice the school children to take the vaccine.
INLGA WDC Chairman Orjiakor and Umuoji Ikenna Anekwe asked for what steps to take when one faces rejection. They were told to call the community focal person, he would reach out to the LGA team and at the worst case scenario the State team will be called to intervene.
