Kaduna PHC Board sensitizes key stakeholders on HPV vaccine immunization

by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Primary Healthcare (PHC) Board, under the leadership of Dr. Bello Jamoh and other development partners, has convened a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting aimed at sensitizing them towards implantation of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination.

The major focus of the meeting is the forthcoming immunization of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination on girl-child of aged between 9-14 years old before they become asexually active, to prevent them against cancer of the uterus.

The meeting held Monday, 13th May, 2024, at Silver Sand Hotel, Katuru Road, Kaduna, had in attendance representatives of traditional and religious leaders, private school owners, civil society groups, among other key partners.

During the session, stakeholders in collaboration with organizers outlined and clarified key objectives to ensure the success of the vaccination administration in the state for the future of female children from cancer deceases.

The stakeholders also underscored the critical importance of HPV vaccination for girls of the 9-14 aged-groups, and highlighted the roles and responsibilities of vital stakeholders in fostering robust participation and collaboration during the HPV vaccination campaign.

They also identified immediate support areas, leveraging insights gathered from the initial phase 1 campaign.

The meeting commenced with the opening address by the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Hajiya Umma K Ahmed, followed by a speech delivered by HRH Emir of Zazzau, represented by Dr. Bello Abdulqadir, the Salanken Zazzau.

Accordingly, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Bello Jamoh, presented an instructive discourse on HPV.

The meeting further benefitted from a presentation by Mallam Ibrahim Adamu on the need for support-funding and the current status of readiness for HPV vaccination implementation.

Insights from a team regarding lessons learned from phase 1 of the campaign were also shared, in addition with the comprehensive presentation on the Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders delivered by the State Health Educator, Mallam Isah Yushau.

Several other discussions ensued during the session with regards to implantation and achievement, together with outlining on the next steps to be taken.

Key personalities and stakeholders in attendance included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Sadiq, the Chairman of ALGON Kaduna State, Commissioners from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government Chairpersons, Development Partners and Religious Leaders, respectively.

Clarifications on importance and harmless impact of the vaccination to the targeted audience were also highlighted, and in areas of un-hindrance to reproduction circles exhaustively discussed and clarified.