By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Government has flagged off vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Governor Hyacinth Alia who performed the ceremony on Monday in Makurdi directed the local government caretaker committee chairmen in the state to replicate the support with logistics in their localities.
Represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode, the Governor said his administration would continue to invest in programmes that would enhance the well being of the people and enjoined traditional rulers to enlighten their subjects on the need for the vaccination to combat the disease.
“Today, we embark on a journey that will protect the health and future of our young girls”, Alia said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese described the event as historic, noting that the human Papillomavirus could lead to Cervical Cancer especially in young girls if not prevented through vaccination.
ALSO READ:
FG To Sell Five Power Plants Worth $5bn For $1.1bn
UPDATE: Benue LG Boss Still In Captivity As Abductors Insist On N50m Ransom
Kebbi Establishes Commission For People Living With Disability
Executive Secretary, Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs Ashi Wende, described the HPV as one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, stressing that it affects both men and women and could lead to various complications such as Cervical Cancer.
According to her, vaccination is the safest among the most effective ways to prevent individuals from contracting the virus and encouraged parents to present their children who are between the ages of nine (9) and fourteen (14) years for the exercise.
Paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Prof. James Ayatse, represented by the Ter Gwer, His Royal Highness (HRH) Dominic Akpe, urged people to disregard the rumour about the vaccination, saying it was safe and encouraged people to provide their children for the vaccination. In a goodwill message, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Chigbo Okechukwu, among other development partners, commended the state government for Kick starting the vaccination campaign in the state and promised to sustain partnership.
