Mr. Solomon Akwashiki, who represents Lafia Central State Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has called on Nigerians to join the fight against cervical cancer in the country.
Akwashiki, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, made the appeal on Monday in Lafia during his decoration as a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Super Champion by Pathfinder International Nigeria and the Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy.
He said that collective action was needed if Nigeria was to win the fight against cervical cancer.
The lawmaker thanked the two organizations for the honor and assured them of his continued support.
He pledged to actively participate in HPV vaccine sensitization campaigns aimed at eradicating cervical cancer and saving lives.
“I appreciate you for decorating me as an HPV Super Champion. As we all know, health is wealth, and I am ready to join you on the streets to sensitize people on the importance of the HPV vaccine. This is to save lives,” Akwashiki said.
He disclosed that he was sponsoring a bill for the establishment of a General Hospital in Lafia to improve access to quality healthcare in the state.
Akwashiki said he was pleased with the impact he had made on his constituents and promised to intensify efforts towards the overall development of the constituency.
He also appealed for continued prayers and support from the people to enable him to effectively address their needs.
Earlier, the Nasarawa State Coordinator of Pathfinder International Nigeria, Ms. Fatima Maha, commended the lawmaker for his strong commitment to improving healthcare for his constituents and Nigerians at large.
“We are here to decorate you as an HPV Super Champion because of your dedication to health issues. The HPV vaccine is safe and can save lives,” Maha said.
According to her, the vaccine helps protect against cervical cancer, throat cancer and other HPV-related cancers.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy, Mrs. Mary Ashenanye, thanked the legislator for implementing health programmes aimed at improving the well-being of his people.
Ashenanye urged him to sustain collaboration with stakeholders to expand education and awareness on the HPV vaccine and its health benefits nationwide.
