Yobe State Launches HPV Vaccination Campaign for School Girls

The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from Canada's Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity, has launched a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign. The initiative aims to vaccinate 350,000 girls between the ages of 9 and 14 across the state, marking a pivotal step in the fight against cervical cancer.

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Channels reported that the flag-off ceremony, held at Government Girls College Damaturu, was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the state government, WHO, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ya Jalo Badama, who represented the wife of the Executive Governor. Speaking at the event, Commissioner Badama emphasized the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine, highlighting the extensive research and clinical trials that have been conducted to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

"Extensive research and clinical trials have shown that the HPV vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. It has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its effectiveness and safety," Commissioner Badama affirmed, reassuring parents and guardians of the vaccine's safety for their daughters.

In a goodwill message, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, represented by Habeed Yinka, underscored the scale and importance of the vaccination campaign. He outlined the comprehensive nature of the exercise, which will see teams deployed across 565 schools and communities throughout the state to vaccinate girls aged 9 to 14 years over the course of the next five days.

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The collaboration between the Yobe State Government, WHO, and Canada's Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity reflects a collective commitment to advancing public health initiatives and ensuring access to life-saving vaccines for all. By targeting girls in the specified age group, the HPV vaccination campaign aims to protect them against the risk of cervical cancer, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous future for the people of Yobe State.