The Director of Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, North Central Nigeria, Dr Michael Oguntoye has disclosed that the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), vaccines will be introduced into routine vaccines in Kwara by 2024.

The Director gave the assurance while delivering a lecture at a Step-down of 22nd National Education Summit and Zonal Youth Camp, organised by the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), in Ilorin.

Speaking on the topic: “Enlightenment on HPV vaccines,” Oguntoye explained that HPV vaccines for Nigerian girls ages nine to 14 years is introduced into Nigeria’s expanded immunization program by the third quarter of 2023.

The expert who was represented by Dr Medinat Olaosebikan, of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency added that Kwara will be in the second phase of the implementation of HPV vaccines, by 2024 which is going to be free.

According to him, the HPV vaccines prevent infection by certain types of human papillomavirus.

He warned that HPV infection causes cells to undergo changes and if not treated these cells can, over time become cancer cells.

Oguntoye emphasised the importance of vaccination of adolescent girls with HPV vaccines before the onset of sexual activity, adding that it is the most effective long-term intervention for reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer.

He lamented that, one woman died of cancer every two minutes and that most women tend to present the disease late.

“Among some of the symptoms include excessive bleeding, anaemia and lower abdominal pain, swelling,” he said.

He urged people to go to hospital for appropriate screening for early detection of the disease.

Also speaking at the programme, a Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication of the University of Ilorin, Dr Saudat Abdulbaqi advised school girls to make judicious use of the Information Communication Technology.

She was speaking on the topic: “Empowering the Ummah with Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) Knowledge.”

Abdulbaqi who was represented by Malam Balarabe Ayuba, Lecturer at Department of Mass Communication of the Kwara State Polytechnics warned the school girls against using social media to perpetrate scamming and misconduct attitude in the society.

According to her, the ICT can be a tool and platforms for promotion of gender equality, positive content and employment.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Kwara State Amirah of FOMWAN, Hajia Ni’mat Labaika stated that the Youth Camp will focus on the Annual Education Summit held in Bauchi State, while the second segment centres on Zonal Youth Camp held in Oyo State.

She emphasised on the need to leverage on diversity of ICT to engage and empower both young and adult Muslims.

According to her , digital skills are pivotal to professional success in this era and time stressing that it is a must for Muslims especially the youths to get requisite skills in ICT as many jobs now make it a criteria for employment.