Stakeholders in the health sector in Bauchi and Jigawa have expressed joy over the high turnout in the ongoing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise in the states.

The stakeholders including health experts, activists and government officials, spoke while reacting to the HPV vaccination exercise in Bauchi, Dutse and Gombe.

They said the feat would enhance awareness on the symptoms, preventive tips and case management of the diseases in the country.

According to Planned Parenthood Organisation, HPV is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), it is usually harmless and goes away by itself, but some types can lead to cancer or genital warts.

The disease infects genital area including vulva; vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, scrotum, mouth and throat.

Other types of HPV cause common diseases like hand and plantar warts on the feet – but these aren’t sexually transmitted.

Some of the disease could be prevented by vaccine, while it could be chronic and requires medical diagnosis to cure.

In Nigeria, more than 1.5 million cases of HPV are being recorded annually.

To stem the dreaded disease, the Federal Government initiated a comprehensive vaccination exercise targeting millions of girls age between nine and 14.

The exercise is billed to hold simultaneously between October and November, across 16 selected states in the country.

Mr Malami Danjuma, the Health Education Officer in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, said the state witnessed impressive turnout in the ongoing HPV vaccination exercise, especially at the grassroots.

He said that about 31,350 out of the 48,000 targeted girls had been inoculated against the virus to protect them against Cervical cancer when they reach reproductive age.