Nasarawa First Lady, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, urges parents to participate in HPV vaccination to protect young girls from cervical cancer.
The First Lady of Nasarawa State, Silifat Abdullahi-Sule, has urged stakeholders across the state’s 13 local government areas to participate in the ongoing Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign, aimed at eradicating cervical cancer.
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Abdullahi-Sule made the appeal shortly after being decorated as the HPV Vaccination Super Champion by the Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy, in collaboration with Pathfinder International, Nigeria.
She highlighted that HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and that most females contract it shortly after the onset of sexual activity.
“I sincerely want to commend the organisers for decorating me as the HPV Vaccination Super Champion in Nasarawa State. The HPV vaccine is safe, free, and effective. I therefore urge stakeholders, parents, and guardians to ensure their children and wards access the vaccination in our healthcare facilities,” she said.
The vaccination campaign targets young girls aged nine to 14 years and aims to encourage mass participation to prevent HPV-related illnesses.
Mary Ashenanye, Chairperson of Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy, commended the First Lady’s advocacy, noting that urban and rural communities have already seen substantial uptake despite initial resistance.
Bayo Ewuola, Senior Media and Communications Officer at Pathfinder International, Nigeria, said the vaccine protects against cervical, throat, and all forms of HPV-related cancers, and praised the work of HPV champions across all 13 LGAs for mobilising communities.
Dr Iskilu Saleh, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, represented by Director Mohammed Ibrahim, assured residents that the vaccines are safe and readily available in health centres statewide.
He emphasised the importance of continued community engagement and stakeholder support to maintain momentum in protecting young females from the suffering caused by cervical cancer.
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The First Lady’s intervention underscores Nasarawa State’s commitment to public health and disease prevention, positioning the HPV vaccination campaign as a key strategy to safeguard future generations.
