Nigeria’s First Lady concludes cancer vaccination in Abuja

(L) Mrs Patience Jonathan, the wife of the Nigerian President holding a girl during the vaccination exercise

Participants at the cancer vaccination in Abuja

Nigeria’s First Lady concludes cancer vaccination in Abuja
Gloria Essien, Abuja

The wife of the Nigerian President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, has administered the final doses of the vaccine against cervical cancer to young girls in Abuja.

The Human Papiloma Virus Vaccination is a pilot programme which began in February, in which 186 people were given the vaccines.

Towards a cancer free society

Mrs. Jonathan said that although the death statistics of cervical cancer was disturbing in Africa and Nigeria in particular, there was no need to worry anymore, as the disease was preventable.

She noted that the vaccination of children from ages 9-15 would ensure a cancer free society.

The president’s wife also advised parents to ensure that their children were vaccinated against the virus for a better future.

“However, we cannot fail to use this opportunity to advice mothers to also screen for cervical cancer, because cancer can be cured if detected early,” she noted.

The First Lady also used the opportunity to appeal to men that were above the age of fifty, to also go for regular prostate cancer screening as it was very important.  

The minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, in his address on the occasion, said that the vaccine was one sure way of preventing cervical cancer amongst women in Nigeria.
         
He emphasized that with regular vaccination, monitoring and advocacy, more Nigerian would stay cancer free throughout their lives.
         
Battle against cancer

In a goodwill message from the World Health Organisation’s country representative in Nigeria, Mr David Okelo, Nigeria has taken a bold step in the battle against cancer through the HPV vaccination.
         
He noted that Nigeria is taking the lead in the vaccination which was agreed to be administered during the African ministers of health meeting in Malawi recently.
         
In a vote of thanks, one of the benefitting children, Miss Hannah Dahiru, thanked the government for the vaccine and for taking care of their future.
         
Mrs Jonathan noted that the vaccination of young girls in other parts of the country will soon be flagged off.

Williams