FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Nasarawa State Government has launched a vigorous campaign to encourage its citizens, particularly young girls, to take advantage of the free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine currently available across the State.
This initiative aims to drastically reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, a leading cause of mortality among women globally, and secure the future health of the state’s female population.
In a one-day media training on HPV vaccine which held on Friday (March 21, 2025), the State Health Educator, Mr Ishaya Amegwa said that, despite the vaccine’s availability and its proven effectiveness in preventing HPV-related cancers, uptake has been lower than anticipated. This, according to him, prompted the government to intensify its outreach efforts.
“In January this year, only just over 2,100 eligible children were vaccinated in the entire State, according to national records,” he stated. “We have serious issues. Some Local Government Areas (LGAs) are lagging behind. For example, in Lafia and Toto LGAs, only 33 eligible children received the vaccine in the whole month of January. This is unacceptable, and we must intensify our efforts.”
Mr. Amegwa emphasized that the State Government has integrated the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization program, ensuring it is freely accessible at all government health facilities.
He urged the public to dismiss harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding the vaccine.
Earlier, Mrs. Mary Ashenanye, Chairperson of the Community Link for Health and Family Planning (CLHFPA), highlighted cervical cancer’s devastating impact on women worldwide.
She called upon media professionals participating in the training to passionately champion the HPV vaccination drive and increase uptake across the State.
The training, a collaboration between CLHFPA and Pathfinder International, featured Mr. ShimataverAondoakaa, Assistant Director of News at Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) North Central Zone, as the resource person.
He stressed the crucial role of the media in combating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination, urging journalists to leverage their influence to promote positive behavioral change regarding vaccines and overall health.
The media training held at the conference hall of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency in Lafia.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FEDERAL INFORMATION CENTRE, LAFIA.
