PRESS STATEMENT: INTRODUCTION OF THE HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS VACCINE (HPVV) AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER INTO ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION IN CROSS RIVER STATE

The Cross River State Government through the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Development Partners have concluded Plans to fully introduce the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (HPVV) against Cervical Cancer into the routine Immunization Programme in the State from 27th May, 2024. 

According to the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. (Mrs.) Vivien Mesembe Otu, the introduction of the Vaccine is to reduce the burdens of Cervical Cancer, which is the second most common cancer amongst women in Nigeria. The introduction shall be heralded by a 5-Day Multi-Age Cohort Campaign from Monday, 27th -Friday, 31st May, 2024 after which the Vaccines would be made available in all Health Facilities across the State as part of routine immunization which is targeted at Adolescent Girls of between 9-14 years.   

In this regard, Government hereby directs Parents and Guardians of the Girl Child and Wards in this Age bracket to present them for vaccination in Fixed Health Centres, strategic locations like Markets, Churches, Mosques, Orphanage Homes and in Primary and Secondary Schools as Health Workers have been mandated to visit these locations for the exercise on these stipulated days.

The State Government sincerely solicit the cooperation and understanding of Health Workers, Parents, Care Givers, School Principals and Head Teachers towards the success of this crucial fight against Cervical Cancer.  

For enquiries, please call 08065153097 and 07036696010.  

Erasmus Ekpang, tifuh, anipr-0157952

Commissioner for Information.

May 15, 2024