02/06/2024
HPV and why the vaccine is important
What is HPV?
HPV is a group of related viruses that can infect the ge***al area, mouth, and throat. It is transmitted through sexual contact. Most HPV infections do not have any symptoms and clear on their own, but some can lead to serious health issues, including cancer.
Every two minutes a woman dies from cervical cancer. That's 300,000 female lives lost every year to the disease. A major cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which increases the chances of cells becoming cancerous.All ten of the countries with the highest rates of cervical cancer are located in . Nearly 90% of all deaths from cervical cancer globally occur in low and middle-income countries due to a lack of HPV vaccine programs, screening programs, and . The HPV vaccine prevents up to 90% of all cervical cancer cases. It works by stimulating the body to produce antibodies that are able to bind to an HPV virus and prevent it from infecting cells. If girls are given the vaccine when they are young – around age 12 – their immune response is even stronger and they are protected for life.
Why is the HPV vaccine important? Since its development in 2006, 9.8 million girls have been protected by the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer. But this is still just 12 - 15% coverage for girls globally. Everybody needs to help raise awareness about the efficacy of the HPV vaccine to save lives and the need for all girls to have access to it.
Below are the reasons for taking the HPV vaccine:
Cancer Prevention: HPV vaccines can prevent several types of cancer, including cervical cancer.
Early Vaccination: It is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, which is why it is recommended for girls aged 9-14.
Herd Immunity: Widespread vaccination can protect unvaccinated individuals by reducing the overall prevalence of HPV.
Africans, Let's get our young girls take the HPV vaccine today!
I know State government across Nigeria are taking it to schools for young girls to take.
If any girl child in your care is given the chance to take it. Ensure you allow them to. If they don't have the chance, take them a local health centre for more information.
Share widely! Save a life
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