Anambra State Government, in collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (APHCDA), has launched a free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme for girls aged 9-14 years.
The initiative aims to prevent cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of death among women in the state.
The programme was flagged off at Michael Tansi Secondary School, Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government Area, by the state governor’s wife, Dr Nonye Soludo.
She emphasised that the vaccine provides lasting protection against cervical cancer and urged parents, guardians, and teachers to take advantage of the free vaccination programme.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, and the Executive Secretary/CEO of APHCDA, Pharm. (Mrs.) Chisom Uchem noted that the vaccine is normally expensive and out of reach for most parents, but the state government is providing it free of charge.
They also highlighted that the selected vaccine, Gardasil HPV, offers lifelong protection with just one dose.
The programme is part of the state government’s efforts to enhance the health and well-being of women and girls, and to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the state.
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