The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), in conjunction with the Federal Government, has deployed single dose of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccines (HPVV), also known as Gardasil, to Benue State
This followed a far reaching campaign in the state aimed at vaccinating over half a million girls.
UNICEF said it has made available to Benue State about 321,413 single dose Human HPV vaccines, also known as Gardasil, for onward distribution to the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state for the vaccination of girls ages 9-14 years against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Mvumble Yusuf, Office in charge of Vaccine Security and Logistics (VSL), in Benue State, who spoke on behalf of the Health Specialist, Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, said “A total of 321, 413 doses have been distributed to the 23 LGAs of the state
“The Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF has procured HPVV (Gardasil), which is a single dose vial to be administered to eligible 9-14 years adolescent girls in the state.
“Vaccines have continued to be the most effective public health remedy against vaccine preventable diseases.
“Effective vaccine management procedure has been maintained all through the immunisation supply chain down to the point of service; the vaccine is free, safe and effective remedy to build immunity against human papiloma virus.
“Hence HPVV is safe and potent to build immunity among girls. Therefore, I urge us all to support this campaign to have a successful implementation”, she noted.
“Over the years, Human Papilloma Virus has been a leading cause of cervical cancer among women, particularly in Africa where access to HPVV is seldom available”, she added.
