By Amara Agha, Abakaliki
The First Lady of Ebonyi State, Chief (Mrs.) Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has called on residents of the state to embrace the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a critical step toward preventing cervical cancer among women and girls.
Mrs. Nwifuru in statement issued by her Press Secretary, Nnenna Oshibe made the call during an interactive engagement at her office in Centenary City, Abakaliki, where she stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and early intervention in reducing cancer-related deaths.
She noted that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women, despite being largely preventable through early vaccination against HPV, the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
The statement quoted the First Lady to have described the HPV vaccine as safe and effective, urging parents and guardians to ensure that eligible girls and young women receive the vaccine at the recommended age.
“The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and life-saving. It is a powerful tool that protects our mothers, sisters, and daughters from cervical cancer,” she said.
Mrs. Nwifuru also called on community leaders, religious institutions, healthcare workers, and the media to intensify public awareness and address misconceptions surrounding the vaccine.
She was said to reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the health of women and children in the state, adding that her foundation, the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO), would continue to partner with stakeholders to improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly in rural communities.
The First Lady emphasized that collective action and informed health choices were key to building a healthier and cancer-free society.
The advocacy aligns with the Ebonyi State Government’s broader efforts to improve public health outcomes through increased awareness, vaccination programmes, and community engagement.
