Nasarawa Begins HPV Screening for 100 Women, Urges Parents to Support Vaccination Drive
The Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in partnership with Pathfinder International Nigeria, has commenced free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening for 100 women in the Kwandare community of Lafia Local Government Area. The Agency also called on parents of girls aged 9–14 to take full advantage of the ongoing statewide HPV vaccination campaign.
Speaking on Monday at the Comprehensive Primary Health Care Centre, Kwandare, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Iskilu Saleh, warned that HPV continues to claim the lives of many Nigerian women. He said the screening exercise is part of activities marking the 2025 World Cervical Cancer Day.
Dr. Saleh described HPV as the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, usually transmitted through sexual contact, noting that most people contract it soon after the onset of sexual activity. He urged parents to prioritise the vaccination of their young girls, stressing that the vaccine is safe, free, and available in health facilities across the state.
He added that the vaccine offers lifelong protection that could spare young females from the pain and trauma many women experience due to cervical cancer.
“What has brought us here today is very important, especially for the 100 selected women,” he said. “I am confident that they will cooperate with health workers during the screening so we can detect any HPV-related health issues early. As an agency, our doors remain open to all residents because our goal is a healthy Nasarawa State.”
Programme Coordinator of Pathfinder International Nigeria, Fatima Maha, said the screening aligns with ongoing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer across all 13 LGAs of the state and beyond. She disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to vaccinate more girls, particularly those who recently turned nine, and commended the Agency for its strong support towards the programme.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. John Damina, emphasised that achieving the target of vaccinating 90 per cent of eligible girls depends heavily on the cooperation of parents and guardians. He assured that the ministry will continue to equip health facilities with the necessary supplies for effective screening and vaccination.
Earlier, the First Lady of Nasarawa State, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, appealed to mothers across the state to allow their daughters to receive the HPV vaccine, stressing that it remains the surest way to prevent cervical cancer. She noted that the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule has prioritised the health and well-being of women and children by investing significantly in preventive healthcare.
“Cervical cancer has taken the lives of many women, but it is preventable when eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine,” she said, applauding the Agency and Pathfinder International for organising the free screening.
The Sangarin Kwandare, Ahmadu Almakura, also commended the organisers and urged women in the community to take HPV vaccination seriously to safeguard their future health.
