Post a comment
The Network Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (NMDHR) has successfully engaged children from various primary, junior, and senior secondary schools in Kambia District in its efforts to increase the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and reduce the risk of cervical cancer among women and girls.
They visited ten schools, including Kolenten Junior Secondary School, Gassimu Memorial Academy Primary and Junior Secondary School, KDC Services Primary School II, Jenkins Junior Secondary School, Montata Junior and Senior Secondary School, Linda Koroma Girls Junior Secondary School, and KDC Primary and Senior School.
During the School-to-School Tour Sensitization in Kambia, Programs Director Nabieu Kamara educated students about the HPV virus, its causes, impacts, and prevention.
He stated, “The HPV virus is the primary cause of cervical cancer among women and girls, and it has devastating impacts that could even lead to death.”
However, with support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), and the District Health Medical Teams (DHMTs), HPV vaccines are now available in every district at Under-5 Clinics and Peripheral Health Units (PHUs),” Director Kamara informed.
He emphasized that the HPV vaccine is not just a campaign but a routine vaccine that is always available, urging girls within the eligible age bracket to get vaccinated. He also mentioned that health workers would be visiting schools and encouraged the students to take advantage of this opportunity to gain lifetime protection against the HPV virus.
In his closing remarks, he stressed the importance of vaccination for girls and assured them that the DHMT had made the vaccines available at various Under-5 Clinics.
HPV School Health Clubs were established in various schools, with members committing to serve as ambassadors for the HPV vaccination uptake campaign
