A clinical virologist, Dr. Adeola Fowotade, has addressed the misconception that abstaining from sex is sufficient to protect against cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Speaking at the 2024 scientific conference of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Annual General Meeting in Oyo State, Ibadan, themed “Vaccines: The Facts and the Myths,” Dr. Fowotade emphasized that HPV transmission is not limited to sexual contact.
Dr. Fowotade stated, “Our current understanding is that HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, however, it is important to note that HPV is a widely prevalent virus that can even be transmitted through non-sexual contact, such as touching surfaces.” She stressed that while abstinence from sexual activity may reduce the risk, vaccination is the most effective method of prevention.
“It’s something that can be transmitted from a mother to her child. Simply telling the child not to have sex is not sufficient to protect them from contracting this virus. The best way to protect them is by vaccinating them,” she added.
Dr. Fowotade highlighted the differences between vaccination and screening, stating that vaccination prevents HPV infection, while screening detects changes in the cervix caused by the virus. She also addressed several misconceptions about the HPV vaccine among healthcare providers, including concerns about side effects, infertility, and promoting sexual promiscuity.
“The HPV vaccine is not new. It has been in existence for more than seven years, but it only arrived in Nigeria last year. Countries like Uganda have success stories of people who have been vaccinated with the human papillomavirus vaccine and have gone on to have children even many years after,” she noted.
Dr. Fowotade pointed out that vaccines now cover multiple high-risk HPV types, including HPV 16 and HPV 18, which account for 70% of cervical cancer cases.
Professor Magbagbeola Dairo, Dean-Elect of the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Ibadan, emphasized the critical role of healthcare workers in combating vaccine hesitancy. He called it a tragedy when doctors do not believe in vaccines and urged Nigerians to take advantage of available vaccines, particularly the HPV vaccine for girls.
“Vaccines are safe, effective, and have reduced the morbidity and mortality of common infectious diseases in Nigeria. We need to educate ourselves and give out the appropriate information for society,” Professor Dairo stated.
He also mentioned that vaccination of children under two years in Nigeria is mandatory, with non-compliant parents facing fines or imprisonment under the Child Rights Act, including in Oyo State.
Dr. Happy Adedapo, Acting Chairman of the Oyo State NMA, expressed concerns about health practitioners resisting vaccines despite their proven efficacy. “Vaccines are safe. We want people to embrace vaccination. People should put their trust in the science behind vaccination. With the advent of science, there is evidence that vaccines are good for health,” Dr. Adedapo explained.
He addressed the issue of side effects, clarifying that they result from the body adjusting to the vaccine and building immunity against specific organisms.
