The Kwara State Government has launched an initiative to vaccinate approximately 311,000 girls aged 9-14 against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, announced this on Sunday in Ilorin during a media engagement.

The vaccination program, scheduled to take place from May 27 to 31, is a collaborative effort between the Federal Government, John Snow Incorporated, the HPV Vaccine Acceleration Programme Partners Initiative Consortium, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The five-day campaign, which will be inaugurated by Dr. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the wife of the Kwara Governor, aims to reach both in-school and out-of-school girls, providing them with protection against HPV-related health issues.

“The HPV vaccine will be available across all primary health care facilities in the state. The vaccine is safe, efficacious and is not an attempt to reduce population or family planning strategy,” he stated.

According to Dr. Dupe Shittu, Social Mobilisation Officer at the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a collection of viruses that can infect the genital areas of both males and females.

While most HPV infections resolve on their own, some strains can progress to more severe health complications if left unchecked.

“One of the most concerning outcomes of persistent HPV infection is cervical cancer.

“Cervical cancer affects women globally, and sadly, Nigeria is no exception.

“Our nation carries a heavy burden of cervical cancer cases, impacting the lives of our mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives,” she mentioned.

Dr. Dupe Shittu emphasized that HPV is primarily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. She highlighted that the virus can be transmitted even when there are no visible signs or symptoms.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kannath Ibrahim, Social and Behavioural Change Communication Officer at JSI, warned against spreading false information about the disease.

In his presentation on “Combating Misinformation, Myths, Debunking and Pre-Bunking Rumours, Prevalent, Rumours and Misconception’, ” he stressed that unaddressed rumors can lead to misinformation, which can have harmful consequences. He encouraged fact-based communication to counter misconceptions and myths surrounding HPV.