The Federal Authorities by way of the Nationwide Major Well being Care Improvement Company (NPHCDA) has disclosed that it has vaccinated no fewer than 4.7 million ladies towards cervical most cancers within the first section of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine roll in Nigeria.
The Govt Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina disclosed this in his opening remarks on Monday throughout the fourth quarter 2023 assessment assembly of the Northern Conventional Leaders Committee on Major Well being Care (PHC) supply.
“As of final week, about 4.7 million of our adolescent ladies throughout the 14 states and the FCT in Section 1 of the rollout, have acquired the vaccine providing them safety towards future danger of cervical most cancers.
“There was preliminary robust pushback by antivaccine campaigners, however together with your assist, we have been capable of get correct info throughout to our dad and mom, guardians and adolescents.
“The work just isn’t completed, and we rely on you, Your Highnesses to proceed not let our folks know that the HPV vaccine is secure and extremely efficient towards cervical most cancers, particularly as we plan to develop to the remainder of the states within the new yr,” he disclosed.
He additionally acknowledged the challenges that persist in nation’s main healthcare supply system.
He, nonetheless, famous that challenges additionally current alternatives for innovation and transformation as he expressed confidence that, with the assist and steering of the esteemed committee and all conventional leaders throughout the nation, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and usher in a brand new period of well being and well-being for folks.
“I would like you to know that this collaborative journey is actually about fostering a tradition of well being, resilience, neighborhood empowerment and going again to offering prime quality, primary main healthcare providers for all.
“My imaginative and prescient for NPHCDA is rooted in inclusivity, partnership, and innovation. I’m dedicated to working intently with you – conventional leaders, non secular leaders and different neighborhood gatekeepers to attain our purpose of enhancing fairness, entry, and high quality of PHC providers.
“From Quarter 1 subsequent yr, we shall be working with you, and below the steering of the CMH&SW, to quickly develop the variety of PHCs which are absolutely purposeful, which means they’ve the infrastructure, staffing, commodities and instruments to successfully: Save lives – decreasing maternal mortality, toddler and below 5 deaths; Guarantee folks have entry to high-quality primary providers they want, together with prevention and therapy of the main causes of dying and illness – maternal care earlier than, throughout and shortly after start, new child care, VPDs, malaria, malnutrition and others;
“We can even be strengthening the power of our PHCs throughout the nation to detect and mount an instantaneous response to any illness outbreaks. All whereas sustaining efforts to handle present priorities similar to Polio, Diphtheria, and many others.
“I acknowledge that offering these providers within the PHCs and thru outreaches just isn’t sufficient, so we shall be working with you all to establish and take away any limitations inside our communities that restrict our folks’s skill or willingness to entry the providers.
“We shall be trying to you for steering as we have interaction the citizenry by way of PHC satisfaction and peoples’ voice surveys to study ache factors and to raised drive demand for PHC providers.
“The states have a vital function to play, and I’ve already hosted delegations of the Discussion board of Govt Secretaries/Chairmen of State Major Well being Care Improvement Businesses / Boards and met with a number of Commissioners for Well being to brainstorm on methods to enhance synergy and strengthen collaboration to scale equitable entry to high quality PHC providers at State and neighborhood ranges.
“I’m due to this fact trying ahead to robust collaboration with State-level main healthcare establishments, suppliers, and colleagues.
“I humbly encourage open and clear dialogue throughout our discussions at present. I’m right here to hearken to your experiences and be taught from you all at present.
“Going ahead, I sit up for a really fruitful and productive engagement with every one in every of you, as I’ll begin state visits within the new yr.”