Vaccination against Human Papilloma virus, HPV, is now recommended as a routine regimen by the World Health Organisation,WHO.
Public Health Specialist, Dr Uzoma Ugochukwu, at a seminar for health journalists on “Enhancing HPV Vaccine Awareness and Uptake in Nigeria,” in Abuja, argued that the WHO’s primary target population for HPV vaccination should be girls aged between nine and 14 years, before they become sexually active.
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“The recommended initial vaccination involves multiple cohorts of girls aged nine to 14 years.”
“Vaccinating multiple age groups of girls between the ages of nine and 18 at the time the HPV vaccine is introduced will have a faster and more significant impact on the population than vaccinating a single age cohort.”
“This is because of the expected increase in direct protection and herd immunity,” he added.
Ugochukwu also noted that HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
“HPV types 6 and 11 account for about 90 per cent of anogenital warts, 528,000 cases of cervical cancer, and 266,000 deaths among women annually,” he stated.
He highlighted that 85 per cent of these cases occur in less developed regions.
The consultant mentioned that three highly effective prophylactic vaccines are available.
“These vaccines include the Bivalent vaccine, Non-infectious protein antigens for HPV, Quadrivalent vaccine, Non-infectious protein antigens for HPV, and Nonavalent vaccine, Non-infectious protein antigens for HPV.”
“None of these vaccines will treat women with existing HPV infections or related diseases: HPV vaccines are most effective,” he explained.
Ugochukwu pointed out that current evidence supports the recommendation for a 2-dose schedule, with sufficient spacing between the first and second doses.
He acknowledged that the WHO recognizes the significance of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases as global health challenges.
He also urged the media to take a more proactive role in correcting misconceptions.
“The media plays a crucial role in addressing myths and misconceptions about the vaccine.”
“We have encountered a few cases of misunderstandings, myths, and lack of awareness regarding the vaccine,” Ugochukwu added.
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