The Edo State Government has flagged off free vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), targeting children between 9 to 14 years, in a renewed effort to safeguard the girl-child from the scourge of cervical cancer.

The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, who launched the exercise at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, said the vaccine is safe and will be administered free in all health facilities across the State.

She said, “I want to use this opportunity to talk to children and their parents about the safety of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. There have been all kinds of negative talks about the vaccine, creating fear in people to stop them from benefiting from this vaccine.

“I stand here to let you know that the vaccine is safe and it is wise for us to vaccinate our children from age 9 to 14 years before they become sexually active. The vaccine isn't available for people above 14 years of age. Let’s use the opportunity to protect the lives and future of our children by coming out for the free vaccination exercise. I urge you to bring your children out to get them vaccinated to keep them safe and well.”

The Executive Secretary of Edo State Primary Healthcare Department Agency (EDSPHDA), Dr. Omosigho Izedonwen said about 12,000 women are affected with HPV yearly with 8,000 women succumbing to cervical cancer.

Dr. Izedonwen noted that cervical cancer can be stopped by immunizing girls between the ages of nine to 14 years of age with a single shot of the HPV vaccine.

He noted, “Across the nation, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is raging and killing our women as 12,000 women are infected with the virus, causing cervical cancer every year. About 8,000 women succumb to it which can be stopped by immunizing our girls between the ages of nine to 14 years with a single shot with HPV vaccine.”

Dr. Izedonwen said the vaccine which cost about N50,000 is now free across the 18 local government areas of Edo State.

“We can stop cervical cancer with this vaccine which is safe and available. The vaccine costs about N50,000 but is now free and available across the 18 local government areas of Edo State. We thank the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his hard work and partnership.

“Those above 14 years of age are not left out. We are also making screening available across the 18 local government areas of Edo State free of charge as those above 21 can walk into any of our facilities to do the screening free. The governor loves the people and has ensured they enjoy quality healthcare.”