An advocacy working group, Family Health Initiative Ogun (FAHIO) in collaboration with the State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB) with support from Pathfinder International has urged People With Disability (PWD) to safeguard the future of their teenage girls and women of child bearing age against cervical cancer.

The group Chairperson, Mrs. Oluwakemi Balogun,while speaking at a meeting with the State  executive of Joint National Association of People With Disability(JONAPWD) in Abeokuta,  said the welfare  and wellbeing of  members of the association and their families   should be protected. 

Mrs Balogun stated that PWD need adequate information Human Papillomavirus (HPV), its  prevention and treatment, as well as benefits of HPV vaccination and screening for cervical cancer.

According to her,  "FAHIO  in conjunction with PHCB and Pathfinder International count this association worthy for this sensitization on HPV and the vaccination that  prevent cervical cancer. We are concerned about your  members' health and that of your families''.

Also speaking, the Executive Ṣecretary of PHCB, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola  said the State government is committed to quality and accessible healthcare of its citenzery, particularly the PWD through empowerment, provision of infrastructure and services to meet their needs.

Contributing, the State Coordinator of Pathfinder International, Mr. Emah Udeme appreciated the State  executive members for their turnout, assuring that his organization would work out modalities to ensure  continued enlightenment at their divisional areas.

In his presentation, the HPV Champion for Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Alhaji AbduRafiu Adeniji emphasised the need for PWD to seek for health information throughout agency of government, ensure regular check-ups and screening.

He described cancer as a deadly disease that could be prevented if detected early,  noting the HPV vaccination for teenage girls of 9 years is safe, free and  effective, m affirming that it  would protect them against cancer for life.

Responding on behalf  of the executive members, the acting Secretary of JONAPWD, Mr.Sope Alabede lauded FAHIO and others for their concerted efforts in reaching out to their members on health- related  issues.