A non-governmental organization, Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora (OCI) Foundation has called on Federal Government to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the national routine immunization for young girls in the country.

Dr. Chirs Ifediora, OCI Founder, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha on Friday.

Ifediora said more deaths from cervical cancer, which is caused by certain types of HPV, may occur by 2025 if the Federal Government fails to tackle the menace head-on.

“These are not just women, but wives, mothers, sisters, aunties, in-laws, associates, and so on.

Ifediora said the government could partner with institutions and international agencies to prevent cervical cancer by ensuring free vaccination, screening, and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions as well as treatment of invasive cancer.

“In most developed worlds, these things are free. In Nigeria, we acknowledge that there are challenges but it is doable,” he stressed.

He said his foundation had launched Arm Our Youths (ArOY) Health Campaign, which seeks to introduce anti-breast and cervical cancer campaigns into the regular curriculum of all senior secondary schools.

Ifediora said the campaign had begun in all eligible schools in Anambra and Benue States and would have been inaugurated last month, but for the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is also going to introduce some breast and cervical prevention teachings into their three-week orientation program across the country.

“The program is evidence-based, and has been endorsed by the Harvard Medical School and the World Health Organisation (WHO),” he explained.