GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, HON. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA FLAGGED OFF THE ADMINISTRATION OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV) VACCINE ON GIRL-CHILD TO MARK 2024 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY

Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa flagged off the administration of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine on Girl-child from the age of 9 to 14 to mark year 2024 International Children's Day.

The Governor noted that Cervical Cancer has been one of the leading cause of death amongst women and many women have lost their lives to the disease and introducing a Vaccine to the children at a young age would prevent them from developing the dreaded disease in the future.
Aiyedatiwa congratulated the Children on their special day and stressed his administration responsibility to equip Children with necessary tools, opportunities and guidance to ensure their success and brighter future.

The Governor further said his administration has made effort to recruit more health workers to address the shortage of medical personnel occasioned by the ‘japa’ syndrome.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka while speaking on the HPV Vaccine, explained that the Vaccine is aimed at preventing Cancer of the cervix and the first phase was flagged in October, 2023 in 16 States and Ondo State is among the 29 States in the second phase of the exercise.

He described Cervical Cancer as the second highest killer after Breast Cancer in women, while saying the consequences of the disease includes rejection by family, stigmatization, financial burden and finally death.

He called on all to disregard myths and misconceptions about the Vaccine, assuring them of its safety and effectiveness in girls.

The State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Dele David described the exercise as very important which according to him has assisted the State in mobilisation for effective take off of the Vaccine.