From News Editor
A Social and Behaviour Change Specialist with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Aderonke Akinola- Akinwole has debunked rumours as well as, the misconceptions surrounding the safety and effectiveness of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine used for prevention of cervical cancer among girl-child of ages nine to 14 in Nigeria.
Akinola-Akinwole said such rumours and misconceptions such as causing chronic terminal diseases, infertility and ineffectiveness of the vaccines, as well as the severe side effects of vaccine and Promoting promiscuity amongst girls, were nothing but contrary to fact.
She stated this during a two-day media parley on a theme: “Combating the most Preventable form of Deadly Cancer Affecting Women and Girls (HPV) through Vaccination” on Tuesday and Wednesday in Ajah Lagos.
According to her, contrary to the claim that the vaccine could depopulate, “Government keeps building social amenities
for the use of her citizens – Who will use them?
On the allegation that the HPV vaccine could promote infertility,
she said, “Vaccines are introduced after several quality assurance, local agencies like NAFDAC
have certified it safe. It is not new. There are mothers who took it as girls.”
Debunking the issue of severe adverse effects, Akinola-Akinwole said, “It is normal that the body may react upon the receipt of vaccines and sometimes may but every side events will wane within 48 hours.
“The vaccines are not just for girls but the issue of availability and prioritization underpin the target of girls.”
Speaking of the alleged in effectiveness of the vaccine, the UNICEF specialist said the HPV vaccine is just like other vaccines
which have reduced and sometimes eliminated diseases, respectively. E.g. WPV, Smallpox, COVID-19.
Contrary to the claim that the vaccine was using virgins as prey, she said the HPV vaccine is targeting the female gender because of the high burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria
and vaccine availability.
Akinola-Akinwole urged journalists to use their various platforms to change the misconceptions and improve demand for HPV vaccines through reporting, human angle stories, interviews and vox pop.
End.