HPV Vaccination: Health Stakeholders Seek Ways To Address Gaps And False Information

Stakeholders in the health sector have stressed the need to address gaps in information, rumours, and false information springing up against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine.

The stakeholders spoke during an interactive discourse on Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination: Matters Arising, which was organised by the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN) with support from Marie Stopes International of Nigeria, MSION.

Speaking on the topic “Vaccine Apathy: What Else to do Differently,” a Renowned Professor of Virology and former WHO Regional Virologist as well as the Vice-Chancellor, Redeemers University, Professor Oyewale Tomori was of the opinion that Nigeria had not done all was needed before the launching of the vaccine.

Prof. Tomori expressed the belief that the introduction of the HPV vaccination information ought to have started six to seven months.

According to him, “The introduction of the HPV vaccination information should have started way back, at least six or seven months ago. What the government is now doing is medicine after death.”

”We should learn from the past and continuously update our information. We need to be moving forward with the world by relating and translating data,” he remarked,” he said.

The Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina who was represented by the Acting Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Garba Rufai, commended the acceptance of the HPV vaccine by Nigerians.

Speaking on the topic “Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination: Matters Arising,” he said that the agency had been able to kickstart vaccination in 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT

”We still have three states that we are yet to commence. In some of these states, they are almost running out of vaccines, because they are being accepted in huge numbers.”

Speaking further, Dr Rufai said the agency had almost vaccinated four million young girls,   adding that the number would increase to about four million by the time Kano state starts, it will be close to five million.

“In all of these numbers, we have not seen one serious Adverse Event Following Immunisation, AEFI, not one. It is remarkable being able to put about four million needles into people and none of the side effects, not even the early ones that we normally see have not happened,” he added.

On her part, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof Rose Anorlu, while speaking on the topic, “Cervical Cancer: The Right Communication for Prevention,” confirmed that cervical cancer screening has been shown to reduce the rate of cancer among women.

“Awareness of a disease is key in the prevention. It is right to say cervical cancer screening than screening for cervical cancer. They do not mean the same thing. Cervical cancer screening is to detect the pre-cancer of the cervix.” Prof. Anorlu said.

In a welcome address, the  President, Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria, Mrs Yinka Shokunbi, said the interactive discourse was the network’s contribution to support the government’s effort.

“Our concern, therefore, as reproductive health writers and as media advocates on the sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing of women and girls, is to provide a writable platform for stakeholders to give us the much-desired information.”

“When impactful knowledge is shared using such platforms of the network of reproductive health Journalists, it is sure Nigerian women and girls would be better to take decisions that will protect them and keep them healthy now and in the future.”