The Bauchi State Government on Saturday established plans to vaccinate girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common cause of genital warts and cancers.
It intends to target girls aged nine to fourteen, as HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
As a result, the Bauchi Primary Health Care Development Agency (BASPHCDA) established a Technical Working Group (TWG) to plan activities to assist with vaccination.
Members of the TWG include medical specialists, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Secretary of BASPHCDA, told the group in Bauchi that 16 states, including Bauchi, had been chosen nationwide for the first round of immunization.
“The overall purpose of the TWG will focus on coordination, introduction, and decision-making for the smooth introduction of the vaccine.
“The group will be responsible for mapping all relevant HPV stakeholders, monitor and track readiness of board and track funding for the rollout of the vaccine,’’ he said.
Dr. Jibreel Mohammed, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the organization, stated in his presentation that the vaccine was developed to prevent women against cervical cancer.
He stated that the HPV vaccination would be included in standard immunization beginning in 2024.
Mohammed raised concerns about the rising rate of cancer among women and emphasized the importance of working together to lessen the burden by targeting young girls for vaccination.
He went on to say that the campaign will be taken to schools, health facilities, and worship centers so that people could easily access it.
Mr. Jinjiri Garba, Chairman of the Bauchi Network of Civil Society Organizations, assured the audience of the network’s commitment to making the immunization campaign a success.
