Lagos announces free HPV vaccination for girls to prevent cervical cancer

The Lagos state government says it will commence free human papillomavirus vaccination for young girls to protect them against cervical cancer.

In a video posted on social media, Abimbola Mabogunje, permanent secretary of the health district VI, Lagos state ministry of health, said the vaccine will be available for girls between the ages of 9 to 14.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by warts in the genitals and surrounding skin.

The disease can be spread through sexual contact and can progress to cervical cancer when at a high-risk level.

Mabogunje said the programme is initiated by Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos governor.

She said the programme will commence on September 25 and last till the 30th.

The permanent secretary said the vaccine is safe and free, adding that girls with sickle cell anemia can also be vaccinated.

She added that the programme will be taken to religious centres, schools and primary healthcare centres in the state.

“Please, let your girls come out and be vaccinated. We are going to all schools, it will be available at all primary healthcare centres. We will be going round to see children wherever we can and also religious centres,” she said.

“It is safe and protective against cervical cancer and it is free of charge. It is supported by the Lagos state government through the first Lady of the state.”