By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, has said that no woman should die from cervical cancer, describing it as a preventable disease if early detection and vaccination are embraced.
Ogwuche made the remark during a special Mother – Daughter Day held at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUHSOTH), aimed at promoting women’s health through cervical cancer prevention.
He applauded the event which brought together mothers and their daughters at the hospital’s Antenatal Clinic Complex for free screening and administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to girls aged 9–14 years.
While the mothers were also screened using the Evelyn Brush technology – a modern, less invasive method for detecting early signs of HPV infection.
The health commissioner who also serves as the Site Coordinator for For Girls and Women initiative, emphasised the need for stronger community participation in preventive healthcare.
“This program is about love, protection, and prevention. By bringing mothers and daughters together, we are building a future where no woman should die from a preventable disease like cervical cancer,” he said.
Ogwuche therefore encouraged women to take advantage of the screening and vaccination opportunities, stressing that prevention remains the most cost effective approach to saving lives.
The Chief Medical Director of FUHSOTH, Professor Teddy Agida, commended the turnout, describing the initiative as a model for community-driven healthcare.
“Let’s continue to empower our girls and women with knowledge, love, and protection,” he added.
Agida urged participants to serve as ambassadors by spreading awareness in their communities about the importance of HPV vaccination and regular screening.
Meanwhile, the participants described the initiative as both enlightening and life-saving while applauding FUHSOTH and the Ministry of Health for providing women and girls a practical opportunity to fight cervical cancer and secure a healthier future.
