The house of representatives has asked the federal ministry of health to add the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to the list of national routine vaccination and immunization programs in the country.
The motion to this effect, which was moved on the floor of the house on Wednesday by Representative Bamidele Salam, emphasised the need for the federal government to take more proactive measures towards the prevention of cervical cancerancer in Nigeria.
Salam, who represents Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State, stressed that this cancer is the most common type of cancer in the African region, where it accounts for 22% of the female cancers and 12% of all newly diagnosed cases.
He noted that 17 people die of cancer every minute worldwide, and that a woman dies every two minutes of the cancer under review, which is caused by HPV.
He expressed worry that the sexually transmitted virus has no cure, but also noted that it could be prevented by vaccination if such is given before a girl or woman gets exposed to it.
Salam said he was “concerned that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is not part of the national routine vaccination in Nigeria despite it’s availability and it’s capacity to prevent cervical cancer among girls and women, and that HPV vaccinations have helped reduce this deadly disease in large parts of the developed world.”
According to him, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends HPV vaccine as part of the routine vaccination in all countries of the world and over 71 countries have included it in their routine vaccination, but Nigeria has not joined the league of countries in this category.
He therefore urged the federal ministry of health to quickly add the same to the list of its national routine vaccination.
Salam further urged the house to resolve to, “urge the ministries of women affairs, health, and youth development to create awareness on the causes, prevention and management of cervical cancer, HPV and the vaccine recommended by WHO for it’s the purpose of its containment.
“Mandate the house committee on health and other relevant commitees of the house to ensure compliance,” he reiterated.
The motion which was seconded by Honourable Sani Maro saw Honourable Nkem Abonta proposing an amendment to the prayer of the motion to ensure primary healthcare centres are fully involved in the vaccination so that it can reach Nigerians in the rural areas.
The motion was voted on and adopted as amended.
Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, asked Honourable Nkem Abonta, Honourable Bamidele Salam, Honourable Lynda Ikpeazu, and the chairman of the house committee on healthcare services, Honourable Tanko Sununu, to work together and ensure the amendment to the motion is truly applied and the necessary action is taken to comply with it.
