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The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care
Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, who disclosed this on Monday, at
the Bi-Annual Religious Leaders Review Meeting convened by the agency, in
Abuja, described HPV as one of the deadliest diseases that affects women and
girls.
To this end, he solicited the support of traditional and
religious leaders across the country to join hands with the medical community
in championing the cause of the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV vaccination.
“Revered Leaders, I want to use this auspicious occasion to
bring to your attention the progress we are making towards preventing one of
the deadliest diseases that affects our mothers, sisters and daughters:
cervical cancer. This cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
“On the 25th of September this year, we will be introducing
a vaccine, the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer when given to our
daughters between the ages 9 to 15 years.
“In your roles as spiritual guides, you hold the power to
influence hearts and minds. Your words carry weight and inspire action. Today,
I urge you to join hands with the medical community in championing the cause of
the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination”, he said.
According to the NPHCDA boss, by encouraging HPV vaccination
within their congregations, they (traditional and religious leaders)”become
advocates of life and guardians of health.”
“You help dispel myths and fears, fostering a culture of
prevention and care. This step aligns with the teachings of compassion,
protection and stewardship that your faiths emphasize.
“Consider the impact of our collective endorsement of HPV
vaccination. We safeguard our youth’s future, allowing them to pursue dreams
unburdened by health concerns. We uphold our duty to care for the vulnerable,
ensuring equitable access to lifesaving interventions”, he said.
Explaining that, “HPV vaccination is more than a medical
breakthrough”,Dr Shuaib said: “It is a testament to our unity in safeguarding
the sanctity of life.”
“As religious leaders, you possess the unique ability to
inspire trust and bridge gaps in understanding. By spreading accurate
information and advocating for vaccination, you empower individuals/families to
make informed choices. Imagine the strength of our message when our faith
communities unite behind this cause. By championing HPV vaccination, we send a
powerful signal that our values extend beyond the spiritual realm – they
encompass every facet of human existence, including health and well-being,” he
said.
While appreciating the roles of His Eminence, Alhaji
Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and His Eminence, the
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in
promoting federal government’s vaccination efforts across the country,Dr Shuaib
noted that:”They have consistently rallied religious leaders across the
country, fostering support for primary healthcare programs and interventions.”
“To all you religious leaders present here today, your
esteemed presence here signifies your unwavering dedication to the well-being
of our people, your adherence to the noble principles guiding your faith, and a
collective commitment to advancing our nation’s health and prosperity.
He spoke further:In the tapestry of our society, you are the
moral compass that guides countless lives. Your words inspire, your actions
uplift, and your guidance brings solace to those in need. Today, I implore you
to join hands with us on a journey that holds profound significance for our
nation’s future – the journey towards bolstering primary healthcare and
holistic well-being.
“Our sacred duty as stewards of health and progress compels
us to recognize that health is not just a medical issue; it is a profoundly
spiritual one. The health of our people reflects the strength of our
communities, the depth of our compassion, and the resilience of our nation.
“The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency is
driven by a resolute vision: health for all, equitably accessible and
sustainably maintained. We believe that a strong foundation of primary
healthcare is the cornerstone of a prosperous society. In our endeavor to reach
every corner of our nation, we acknowledge the pivotal role that you, esteemed
religious leaders, play in this noble pursuit.
“You possess the power to disseminate crucial information
that can influence behavior, dispel myths, and encourage preventive practices.
Your guidance can inspire individuals and families to seek timely medical
attention, to embrace healthy lifestyles, and to embrace the concept that good
health is a divine gift to be cherished.”
While insisting that by encouraging HPV vaccination within
your congregations, the religious and royal fathers become advocates and
guardians of health, Dr Shuaib said the such roles place them the opportunity
of helping to dispel myths and fears, fostering a culture of prevention and
care.
” This step aligns with the teachings of compassion,
protection and stewardship that your faiths emphasize,” he said.
“Consider the impact of our collective endorsement of HPV
vaccination. We safeguard our youth’s future, allowing them to pursue dreams
unburdened by health concerns. We uphold our duty to care for the vulnerable,
ensuring equitable access to lifesaving interventions.
“HPV vaccination is more than a medical breakthrough; it is
a testament to our unity in safeguarding the sanctity of life. As religious
leaders, you possess the unique ability to inspire trust and bridge gaps in
understanding. By spreading accurate information and advocating for
vaccination, you empower individuals/families to make informed choices. Imagine
the strength of our message when our faith communities unite behind this cause.
By championing HPV vaccination, we send a powerful signal that our values
extend beyond the spiritual realm – they encompass every facet of human
existence, including health and well-being.
“As we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, we
find ourselves standing at a crossroads of tradition and innovation. The
convergence of faith and science holds immense promise. We must recognize the
healing power of modern medicine without forgetting the healing touch of
compassion that you, our religious leaders, so beautifully embody.
“Today, I humbly request your continued partnership. Let us
weave a tapestry of health awareness through the threads of faith. Let us work
together to ensure that every child receives their vaccinations, every family
accesses essential healthcare services, and every person lives with the
knowledge that their spiritual and physical well-being are intertwined.
“I therefore encourage us to share insights, experiences and
innovative ideas. Let us identify effective strategies that align with your
teachings and values, fostering a culture of preventive health care within the
faith communities and the nation at large. Together, we can harness the power
of faith to drive positive health-seeking behaviours and contribute to the
well-being of our nation.
“In the cause of this meeting, we look forward to your
sharing your experiences with us, especially in the provision of health
services in your faith-based health centres and hospitals. This will enable us
to properly document, acknowledge and give visibility to your contributions to
our modest achievements in the health sector. It will provide the opportunity
for your health organizations and team to receive updates and align with
current national and global standard operating procedures.
“Together, we can bridge gaps, erase disparities, create a
healthier, stronger, and more harmonious nation. Your voices can echo the
message of hope, resilience, and unity across every congregation and every
community,” he said.