By Stephen Adeleye.
The Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA),, said the state has achieved 99 per cent coverage of target population of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cervical cancer in the state.
The Executive Director, KSPHCDA, Dr. Musa Omeiza Mu’azu disclosed this in a statement made available to Journalists by the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of KSPHCDA, Rita Awokeson, on Sunday in Lokoja.
According to Awokeson, Dr Mu’azu, made the statement at the “2nd Busayo Emmanuel Agbana Annual Memorial Lecture”, organised by the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Science, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State
In his presentation on the event theme: “the Burden of Cancer In Nigeria: A Clarion Call to Action Against Cervical Cancer”, Dr Mu’azu said Kogi had successfully launched HPVVI implementation exercise on May 27, 2024, and achieved 99 per cent coverage of target population of 284,750 eligible females.
The ED explained that the state had made appreciable achievements ranging from pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation achievements, and assured government’s commitment to sustain the progress momentum.
He stressed that the coordination team (HPVVI TWG), had carried out advocacies, communications, social mobilization, as well as conducted training sessions for health workers and stakeholders.
“We successfully launched HPVV implementation campaign on May 27, 2024, and achieved 99 per cent coverage of target population of 284,750 eligible females vaccinated.
“We have also developed plan to routinize HPV vaccination, trained health workers on vaccine handling, safety, and management, identified best practices and challenges.
“To sustain this momentum of progress, we must intensify advocacy, communication, social mobilization activities, engaging media outlets, and strengthening routine immunization,” hde said.
Dr Mu’azu commended development partners, including WHO, UNICEF, and others, for their support.
In his remarks, Prof. SPO Akogu, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, PAAU, Anyigba,, called for action on cervical cancer screening, and emphasized the importance of sensitizing and training of healthcare workers to conduct routine screenings.
According to Prof. Akogu, deliberate actions should be taken to increase awareness about cervical cancer among women and the public, and ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped to conduct screenings, interpret results, and provide adequate treatment.
On her part, the PAAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, acknowledged the effective collaboration bettween the state government, Ministry of Health, and the Agency, which she said had been instrumental in achieving successes in the health sector.
The VC recognized the significant progress made in the health sector and emphasized the importance of sustaining the momentum of progress.
She, however appealed to Kogi government, the ministry State Ministry of Health, and the Agency to continue their support for the health sector.
Prof. Tenuche stressed the need for community engagement and participation in health initiatives, stressing the importance of health education and awareness in preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.
In their separate tribute to the deceased, Dr. Agbana, his friends and colleagues, including Dr. Anthony Nayo, lauded his kindness, generosity, and infectious smile, and acknowledged his unwavering support and encouragement.
This, they said had a profound impact, legacy, and lasting impression on their lives.
Other dignitaries at the event included: Dr. Onimisi Abdullahi Ajayi, DCH&SD; Dr. Bola Kelvin Emmanuel, SC BHCPF; Dr. Hadiya Ismail Ahmed, MCH FP; Mr. Theophilus Olorunmaiye Ade, PM IMPACT; Dr. Nayo Anthony, Ag. CMD, PAAU Teaching Hospital, Anyigba.
Other were: Dr. Sunday Abah, HOD Anatomy CHS PAAU; Dr. Omotosho Dare, Dean Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; and Dr. (Mrs.) Olubumi Agbana, among others.
Representatives from various organizations, including the Committee of Deans and HODs of PAAU, Deans and HODs of the College of Health Sciences, PAAU, University Health Services Unit, Nigeria Medical Association, Kogi State branch, were also present.
Cancer, particularly cervical cancer, is a significant public health concern in Nigeria, caused by HPV, and lack of awareness, inadequate screening, as well as limited access to healthcare services. These contribute to its high incidence and mortality rates.
Despite efforts to combat cervical cancer, several challenges persist, including limited awareness, inadequate screening, limited access to healthcare, and cultural and social factors.
To overcome these challenges, it is essential to increase awareness, improve screening, enhance access to healthcare, address cultural and social barriers, and support research and development.
