By joshua 
Embrace HPV Vaccine, Ebonyi First Lady Charges Citizens
By Our Correspondent, Abakaliki
The First Lady of Ebonyi State Chief (Mrs.) Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru has charged people of the State to embrace Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine as a proven measure for the prevention of cervical cancer.
The Governor’s wife gave the charge during an interactive engagement held at her office Centenary City, Abakaliki.
Mrs Nwifuru emphasized the critical importance of preventive healthcare, especially for women and young girls.
According to the First Lady, cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, yet it is largely preventable through early vaccination against HPV, the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
“The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and life-saving. It is a powerful tool that protects our mothers, sisters, and daughters from cervical cancer. Prevention is always better than cure, and this vaccine gives us that opportunity,” she stated.
The first lady urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to ensure that eligible girls and young women receive the vaccine, noting that early vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life. She also called on community leaders, religious institutions, healthcare workers, and the media to intensify awareness campaigns and dispel myths surrounding the vaccine.
The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to supporting health initiatives that promote the well-being of women and children in Ebonyi State, adding that her foundation, the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO), will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to improve access to essential health services across the state.
She further appealed to all citizens not to overlook the importance of the HPV vaccine, stressing that collective action and informed choices are key to building a healthier and cancer-free society.
The advocacy aligns with the Ebonyi State Government’s broader commitment to improving public health outcomes and reducing preventable diseases through awareness, vaccination, and community engagement.