The Yobe State government is launching a five-day campaign to vaccinate girls aged 9-14 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can lead to cervical cancer.

This is contained in a statement released on Monday, by Ali Musa Yawale, HoD Information, For: Hon Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture.

The campaign, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the State Primary Health Care Board, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and development partners, aims to reach all eligible girls in primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools, as well as healthcare facilities across the state.

The official launch will take place on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024, at 10:00 am at Government Girls College Damaturu.

Following the launch, the HPV vaccine will be integrated into routine immunization programs, focusing specifically on girls aged 9 to 14.

Cervical cancer is a major public health concern in Nigeria. Statistics show that in 2020, the country recorded over 12,000 new cases of HPV-related cancers, with cervical cancer accounting for the majority. Tragically, 8,000 women died from cervical cancer that year.

The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent HPV infection and significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer later in life. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are urged to take advantage of this free vaccination program and protect their daughters from this preventable disease.