Federal Government yesterday said it will unveil Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to prevent cervical cancer September 25.
It said administration of HPV vaccine to girls between nine and 15 will prevent them from contracting the cancer.
The Federal Government urged Christian and Muslim leaders to raise awareness about the vaccines, dispel myths and misconceptions, and encourage members to embrace better health behaviour.
Speaking at the Bi-Annual Review Meeting of Religious Leaders on Primary Health Care (PHC) Delivery, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate, represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Dr. Emmanuel Odu, said: “I acknowledge contributions of our faith community to healthcare, as we are aware religious organisations provide healthcare at primary, secondary and tertiary level. This is commendable.
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said: “In our desire to reach every corner, we acknowledge the role religious leaders play. They possess the power to disseminate critical information that can influence behaviour, dispel myths and encourage preventive practice.
“Concerning progress on cervical cancer, caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV), on September 25, we’ll introduce HPV vaccine which prevents this cancer when given to girls of nine to 15 years…’’
President-General of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III, said: “When we are talking about health of our people, you must talk about how to feed the common man. Without food no drug will work. Government must face this reality.
National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, added: “We are delighted primary health care is getting the attention it deserves. More importantly, religious leaders are given opportunity to dialogue by way of reviewing what is happening. Even on health issues, Nigerians listen to religious leaders before doctors, even the government.’’
“Our places of worship have been used for sensitization, for administering vaccines and our health facilities have been in collaboration with the government for a very long time now, especially for primary health care.
“With initiatives like this, we are optimistic that improved healthcare will be made accessible to those who before now have been far from it, especially those in the rural areas. We pray that this bi-annual meeting carries out the objective of the government aimed at providing healthcare to all Nigerians. We recommend that we continue this kind of collaboration.”
