Media professionals in Nasarawa State have been urged to play a more active role in raising public awareness on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by sharing accurate information and becoming advocates for preventive healthcare in their communities.
HPV is a widespread virus that can affect various parts of the body. There are more than 100 types of HPV, some of which cause warts on the hands, feet, and face.
The call was made by the State Coordinator of Pathfinder International, Miss Fatima Maha, during a sensitisation exercise jointly organised with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
She explained that the campaign was designed to highlight the health risks posed by HPV and to encourage parents to ensure their daughters, from the age of nine, receive the vaccine.
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According to Maha, some strains of HPV are responsible for cervical, throat, penile, mouth, and anal cancers. She emphasised that the vaccine plays a vital role in preventing these conditions and is suitable for both boys and girls.
She added that older women may also benefit from the vaccine but should first undergo screening to confirm they are virus-free.
Maha noted that rural dwellers are most disadvantaged due to lack of awareness and the high cost of both screening and vaccination.
She therefore appealed to government authorities and philanthropists to step in and support women in underserved communities with easier access to preventive healthcare.
Nasarawa SWAN chair speaks on HPV initiative
The Chairman of SWAN in the State, Comrade Smah George, lauded Pathfinder International for bringing health issues into focus alongside sports development.
He said the initiative would benefit female athletes, women in sports, as well as members of SWAN and NAWOJ, and urged journalists to use their platforms to sensitise the public about HPV.
George further remarked that promoting women’s health was just as important as advancing their participation in sports.
Similarly, the NAWOJ chairperson in the State, who also serves as an HPV campaign champion, encouraged women to prioritise their wellbeing and dismiss myths and misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the collaboration between Pathfinder International, SWAN, and NAWOJ marks a significant step towards strengthening public health advocacy and lowering cervical cancer rates in Nasarawa State.
