All arrangements have been concluded by the Federal Government to introduce Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine into the immunization schedule in the Country.
Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib stated this during a quarterly review meeting of South West Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery in Akure.
Dr Shuaib who said the vaccine is effective at preventing the most common types of papilloma virus that causes cervical cancer and other types of cancers revealed that the vaccine would be introduced in September 2023.
The NPHCDA boss said immunization against all forms of diseases including poliovirus remains Government top priority and the involvement of traditional leaders is essential to the progress and success of the exercise.
Giving the statistical records of immunization in the Southwest zone in January to June 2023, Dr Shuaib said 189,310 Children had no access to routine immunization.
According to him Lagos State has the highest count of 79,279 zero dose Children, closely followed by Oyo state with 53,812, Ondo 30, 280, Osun 19,737, Ogun 3,204, and Ekiti 2,998 with children who never received any vaccination.
He however appealed to traditional leaders to inform their subjects to embrace various routine immunization against all forms of diseases.
In his speech, the acting Governor of Ondo State Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa said the state Government would continue to place premium on the healthy living of all residents of Ondo State in line the REDEEMED agenda of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration.
He admonished royal fathers to always encourage their communities to embrace PHC as the first point of contact noting that the state is committed to implementation of PHC under one roof of the Federal Government.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Southwest Traditional Leaders Committee and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi said the meeting focuses on a deliberate measure to bring improvement to the PHC system.
While calling for support of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to succeed especially in the health sector, Oba Ogunwusi prayed for quick recovery of Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN. CON.
In his welcome speech, the Deji of Akure Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi appreciated the Federal Government for putting the programme in place noting that the PHC is a critical component of the health sector.
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