In response to recent speculations regarding the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed that the vaccine is not intended as a means to reduce the population of Africa. This declaration was made by Dr. Muideen Olatunji, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, during a press conference held on Monday in Ibadan, the state capital.

Addressing journalists, Dr. Olatunji emphasized that the state has incorporated the HPV vaccine into its Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI), specifically targeting girls aged between 9 and 14 years. He underscored the seriousness of cervical cancer, highlighting it as one of the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women, and stressed the necessity of addressing the disease proactively.

“The vaccine was developed with the aim of preventing cervical cancer,” stated Dr. Olatunji, refuting claims of any ulterior motives. He further elaborated on the successful launch of the programme at St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Yanbule, Bashorun, where over 300 pupils have already received the vaccination.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that the vaccine is not designed to reduce the population of the state,” affirmed Dr. Olatunji. “This is a demonstration of our continued partnership and collective efforts to protect young girls and citizens of the state against the prevalence of cervical cancer.”

Dr. Olatunji highlighted the preventable nature of cervical cancer through routine HPV vaccination and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive coverage across Oyo State. He reassured the public regarding safety measures, including rigorous training for vaccine administrators, regular supervision, and thorough safety checks.

“Cervical cancer globally accounts for a significant number of deaths and ranks among the top cancers affecting women worldwide,” Dr. Olatunji remarked. “By administering the HPV vaccine, we are implementing a cost-effective and safe preventive measure to reduce the burden of this disease and safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens, particularly young girls.”

Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi

It’s not a ‘Happy Children’s Day’ for kids and mothers who are battling severe malnutrition and survival of their little innocent babies in Bauchi communities.

A cross section of mothers who spoke with our correspondent in Bauchi on Wednesday said that ongoing hardship has taken a balanced diet away from their dining table.

According to them, the situation has pushed them into giving their children available food far from micronutrient-dense food.

A visit to Yelwa Domiciliary Health Care Centre, Bauchi showed that about 400 malnourished babies are recorded on Wednesday and Thursday –nutrition day. This has put pressure on the available therapeutic food to treat malnutrition – Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).

Nigeria’s economic reform has pushed more families into poverty. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index survey, 63 percent of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are multidimensionally poor. Meanwhile, 65 percent of the poor (86 million people) live in the North, while 35 percent (nearly 47 million) live in the South.

Some of the mothers who spoke with our correspondent attributed the malnutrition to economic hardship where they could not afford varieties of food.

Maimuna Ibrahim is a nursing mother with a six month old malnourished baby who refused to do exclusive breastfeeding. She explained that: “I actually did not do exclusive breastfeeding because I do not have breast milk. I started giving the baby pap and water. I took him to a traditional home where they told me that he has skin disease but when I came to hospital they told me it is malnutrition.

“In my first baby, I did not do exclusive breastfeeding but there was no case of malnutrition. I have heard about exclusive breastfeeding but I regret not doing it. Everyone in my area is blaming me for his condition.

“I’m also blaming myself because I don’t think my son deserves this condition. Exclusive breastfeeding doesn’t cost anything,” she said.

Hussaina Hassan, mother of a-two-year and three-month-old girl who also skipped exclusive breastfeeding said that the young girl does not eat food apart from water.

“If she eats, she will vomit and if we force her she will faint. She has been taking only water since I gave birth to her. She hasn’t even taken a pap over the last two years,” she said.

The Nutrition Officer at the PHC, Mukhtar Ahmad said that there has been a sudden upsurge in the cases of severely malnourished babies due to poor intake of food with adequate nutrients.

“When we started our nutrition clinic, we were expecting about 10 cases but we got about 200 cases in one clinic day –on Wednesday and the same thing on Thursday.”

Mukhtar attributed this to family poverty, selection of foods during pregnancy and economic hardship.

“When they come, we teach them a combination of homemade micronutrients-dense food. Some of the cases we had in the past have recovered and are doing well.”

Philomena Irene is a Nutrition Specialist with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office, she said that, to meet the minimum dietary diversity for healthy growth and development, children need to consume foods from at least five out of the eight recommended food groups.

“The eight food groups are: breast milk; grains, roots, tubers and plantains; pulses (beans, peas, lentils), nuts and seeds; dairy products (milk, infant formula, yogurt, cheese); flesh foods (meat, fish, poultry, organ meats); eggs; vitamin-A-rich fruits and vegetables; and other fruits and vegetables.

“If children are fed with 0 to 2 food groups per day- they are experiencing chronic food poverty, 3 to 4 food groups/day they experience moderate food poverty. 5 or more food groups per day- they met the minimum dietary diversity,” she said.

Philomena urged the government to embrace the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) which is a new financing mechanism designed to accelerate the scale-up of sustainable policies, programmes and supplies to end child wasting.

By Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi

Coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has said that period poverty, lack of access to menstrual products and facilities is a violation of the rights of women and adolescents to health, education and dignity.

Speaking during this year’s International Menstrual Hygiene Day, a coalition of the non-profit organisations whose interest cut across women, adolescents, children and health took to the Bauchi State Government to advocate for #UntaxMyPad.

The group which includes Women-for-Women International, Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation (ASHHF), Kairos Initiative, Child Is Gold Foundation, Alwadata Lifeline Initiative, CARD Initiative, SWOFON, NIWOREN, WOWICAN, LANGA, AIDCODE, Rotary Club Bauchi Centre among others said menstruation is a natural and essential part of life, yet it remains a topic considered a taboo in many cultures and societies.

“The silence and stigma surrounding menstruation have led to lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene facilities, products, and education affecting women and girls. It’s time to break the silence and advocate for menstrual hygiene and dignity.

“Research findings regarding the State of Menstrual Hygiene indicates that: 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to menstrual products and facilities. 1 in 10 girls in Africa miss school due to lack of menstrual products.

“70 percent of women and girls in India use unhygienic materials during menstruation. Menstrual hygiene-related infections and illnesses are a significant public health concern.”

The group said that the consequences of poor menstrual hygiene include: Health complications, infections, toxic shock syndrome, and reproductive health issues.

They said that social and cultural stigma in menstruation is often seen as shameful or impure perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes. “Human rights violation: Lack of access to menstrual products and facilities is a violation of the rights of women and adolescents to health, education, and dignity.”

While speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajara Gidado reinstated the ministry’s commitment to the development of Bauchi children. She however pledged to collaborate with the CSOs and CEOs for effective operations.