The Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (LSPHCB) on Wednesday praised the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) for efforts in driving eradication of cervical cancer in Nigeria. Dr Akinpelu Adetola, Immunisation Programme Coordinator of LSPHCB, made the commendation in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He spoke to NAN on the sidelines of a two-day media dialogue organised by LSPHCB in partnership with UNICEF. The programme had the theme: 'Combating the Most Preventable Form of Cancer Affecting Women and Girls through Vaccination'. Adetola also solicited more collaborations in the fight against cervical cancer. He called on ministries, departments and agencies in the state to increase public awareness on the availability of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged nine to 14 years. 'We commend the efforts, contributions and support of UNICEF in making Nigeria a cervical cancer-free society, particularly in driving the cause of vaccination of our girls from age nine to 14 . 'Knowledge is basic; so, we are seeking synergy with Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, SUBEB and Ministry of Women Affairs to drive this cause. 'We want them to inculcate the importance of this immunisation on children. 'This will help mothers, fathers and guardians to make informed choices,' he said. The programme coordinator also said that the board had made efforts to sensitise girls to the importance of the vaccine during school assemblies. He added that the board was creating the awareness through Parent-Teacher Association meetings. According to him, the campaign and exercise are ongoing. 'We are making efforts not to leave any girl-child behind. We have teachers across the six education districts in Lagos State as part of our working groups. 'This, to an extent, reduced misconception that arose when we flagged off the campaign in August 2023. The board also has mobile fixed posts. 'They are outreach centres (temporary) that offer same service, to encourage girls in commu nities to benefit from the free vaccination,' he added. Source: News Agency of Nigeria
Related Posts
Reps summon EFCC chairman
The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes has given Mr Ola Olukoyede, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), until July 30 to appear before it over budgetary allocation issues.
The committee said that Olukoyede, al…
NaCC launches investigation into alleged price fixing of quota usage fees
The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has launched an investigation into the alleged price fixing of quota usage fees paid to fishing rights holders by various fishing vessel owners and operators.
This comes after the NaCC received evidence sug…
Towards making Nigeria safe for orphans and vulnerable children
The girl hawking sachet water ran in pursuit of the bus, laying curses at the bus conductor, who had stretched out his hands and touched her breast before stealing one sachet from the plastic on her head.Blessing, roughly 13 years old going by her loo…