The Cross River State Government will introduce the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPVV) against Cervical Cancer into the routine Immunization Programme from 27th May, 2024.
The introduction shall be heralded by a 5-Day Multi-Age Cohort Campaign from Monday, 27th -Friday, 31st May, 2024.
The Commissioner for Information Erasmus Ekpang, made this known in a release with CR/MOI/AD/396/S.2/Vol.V/463 on May 15, 2024.
The State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Development Partners have concluded Plans to to reduce the burdens of Cervical Cancer in the state.
The Vaccine is to reduce the burdens of Cervical Cancer, which is the second most common cancer amongst women in Nigeria,” said the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. (Mrs.) Vivien Mesembe Otu.
Also, she said the Vaccines would be made available in all Health Facilities across the State as part of routine immunization which is targeted at Adolescent Girls of between 9-14 years.
Therefore, , Government has directed Parents and Guardians of a Girl Child and Ward in this Age bracket to present her for vaccination in Fixed Health Centres.
The centres include Markets, Churches, Mosques, Orphanage Homes, Primary schools, Secondary Schools.
According to her, Health Workers have been mandated to visit these locations for the exercise on these stipulated days.
Meanwhile, ehe State Government has sincerely solicited the cooperation and understanding of Health Workers, Parents, Care Givers, School Principals and Head Teachers towards the success of this crucial fight against Cervical Cancer.