Lady Theodora Flags Off Sensitization On Cervical Cancer And Hpv Vaccination
Executive Chairman Urges Compliance With HPV Vaccination
By Dike Godspower Iyke
July 7, 2026
The Chairperson of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Lady Theodora Alaribe, has officially flagged off a sensitization programme on cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination at the council headquarters in Aboh Mbaise. The event brought together the women’s wing, autonomous women leaders, APC women leaders, officials of the health department, and students of the School of Midwifery, Aboh Mbaise LGA, all united in promoting awareness and preventive healthcare for women and girls.
Delivering her opening address, Lady Theodora explained that cervical cancer is a disease that affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and remains one of the leading health concerns for women. She stated that persistent infection with certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which, if left undetected or untreated, may eventually develop into cervical cancer.
She highlighted some of the common warning signs associated with cervical cancer, including abnormal vaginal bleeding and persistent pelvic pain, while emphasizing the importance of early medical attention whenever such symptoms are noticed. She further encouraged women and girls to reduce their risk by maintaining healthy lifestyles, avoiding multiple sexual partners, refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and seeking regular medical advice from qualified health professionals.
Lady Theodora also used the opportunity to debunk common myths and misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine. She reassured parents and guardians that the vaccine has undergone extensive scientific testing, has been proven to be safe and effective, and does not affect fertility. She urged eligible girls to take advantage of the free HPV vaccination exercise and encouraged mothers, community leaders, and women present to spread the message throughout their various communities so that more girls would benefit from the life-saving intervention.
She expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, and his wife, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, for their unwavering commitment to improving healthcare delivery and promoting the welfare of women and girls across the state. She noted that their support had made the sensitization campaign and vaccination exercise possible.
Speaking during the programme, the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to ensuring that eligible girls within the recommended vaccination age receive the HPV vaccine. He described the vaccination programme as a critical investment in the future health and wellbeing of young girls, stressing that preventing disease is always better than treating it.
He observed that many illnesses which become life-threatening in adulthood can be prevented through timely health interventions during childhood and adolescence. He therefore encouraged parents not to delay in presenting their daughters for vaccination and also urged married women not to neglect their own health while caring for their families.
Barr. Alaribe further explained that although the HPV vaccine is being administered free of charge to beneficiaries, the programme itself comes at a significant cost, which has been substantially subsidized by Governor Hope Uzodinma in partnership with international development organizations committed to improving public health. He emphasized that every girl vaccinated represents another life protected from the risk of cervical cancer and urged residents to fully embrace the programme.
The Executive Chairman equally commended Governor Hope Uzodinma, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, Lady Theodora Alaribe, and the Health Department of Aboh Mbaise LGA for their dedication to improving healthcare services and positively impacting the lives of women and girls throughout the local government area.
Presenting a health lecture during the programme, the Director of Primary Health Care, Aboh Mbaise LGA, Mrs. Emeghara Victoria, explained that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria. She stressed that regular screening through procedures such as Pap smear tests significantly improves the chances of early detection and successful treatment.
Mrs. Victoria further explained that the HPV vaccine offers the greatest protection when administered before exposure to the virus, which is why vaccination is recommended for girls from the approved age range. She encouraged parents and guardians not to wait until symptoms develop before taking preventive action, noting that cervical cancer often progresses silently in its early stages without obvious warning signs.
She commended the leadership of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area and the Imo State Government for prioritizing women’s health and described the sensitization programme as a timely, proactive, and potentially life-saving initiative that would contribute significantly to reducing the burden of cervical cancer within the community.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs. Benedict Mgbeahuruike expressed heartfelt appreciation to the local government for organizing the sensitization programme. She observed that many women in the community had never previously received adequate education on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination and described the initiative as both enlightening and empowering.
She thanked Lady Theodora Alaribe, the Executive Chairman, and the Health Department for bringing the awareness campaign closer to the grassroots. She assured the gathering that the women would carry the message back to their various communities and would encourage their daughters and other eligible young girls to receive the HPV vaccine.
By the close of the programme, health officials disclosed that more than 100 children had already received the HPV vaccine, while assuring participants that the vaccination exercise would continue across various Primary Health Care Centres throughout Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area to ensure wider community coverage.
The high point of the event was the distribution of exercise books to pupils in attendance by Lady Theodora Alaribe. The gesture was warmly received by the children and attracted applause from parents, community leaders, and other guests, adding a memorable conclusion to a programme dedicated to safeguarding the health and future of young girls.
The event was attended by High Chief Donatus Nnamdi Anyanwu; the Vice Chairman, Barr. Charles Mbakwe; the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ugochukwu Umunnakwe; the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Chris Anyanwu; the Councillor representing Ngurunweke Ward, Hon. Chinwendu Ihenachor; the Councillor representing Ibeku Ward; Hon. John Ikewe; Hon. Eze Oguzie; Hon. Sylvester Ugwuamaka; Engr. Leo Njoku; Hon. Ugwuezumba Onwuemeodo; Hon. Felix Isinabu; Hon. Ariguzo Davidson, PG of Ngurunweke Autonomous Community; Mr. Kennedy Anele; Hon. Funtan Onyeulor; Hon. Gab Ihenacho, alongside numerous government officials, community leaders, women groups, health workers, students, and other stakeholders.
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