Epidemiologist advocates single-dose for HPV vaccines

… As former Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole bows out of UCH 

A Clinical Epidemiologist, Prof. Deborah Watson-Jones, has advocated intake of  single-dose  for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines, saying that one dose can  do the same work done by a double dose.

Watson-Jones, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, made the advocacy on Thursday at a valedictory session in honour of Prof. Isaac Adewole, a former Minister of Health.

The event  was organised by the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI) and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Adewole will clock 70 years and bow out of the service of the College of Medicine, UI, on May 5.

Watson-Jones, the guest lecturer at the programme, spoke on the topic:  “African Response to Emerging Public Health Threats: Lessons Learnt from EBOVAC and HPV Vaccines”.

She said that lessons from vaccination trials in East Africa showed that most of the recipients of first dose of vaccines did not come back for the second dose because a single dose of the HPV vaccine could do the work of a double dose.

The epidemiologist advised Nigerians to avoid misconceptions about receiving  the vaccines.

She said that they had been tested to be safe.

According to her, Nigeria should work on effective citizens data collection  to get a target in tackling HPV.

“We should keep research going even while there is no  public health emergency.

“We must make use of the time we have between outbreaks.

“Also, public-private partnership with government is paramount.  Financial support must be adequate to support high quality trials in challenging settings,” she said.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said that Adewole made a good impact on the Federal Ministry of Health.

“One of the things I learnt from him is his incredible humility, he is a wonderful manager of people and a professor,” Ali said.

Also, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said that Adewole made much impact on Nigeria’s health system.

“Among his outstanding achievements was that he superintended over the Nigeria Aids Indicator and Impact Survey that revised the burden of HIV in Nigeria,” he said.

The UCH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, said that Adewole’s life epitomised the transformative power of education, compassion and servant-leadership.

“As we celebrate his journey today, let’s draw inspiration from his legacy and strive to emulate his commitment to excellence and social impact.

“Prof. Adewole is indeed a true icon in the world of obstetrics and gynecology.

“May his remaining years on earth continue to count for impactful greatness,” Otegbayo said.

The Provost, College of Medicine, UI, Prof. Yinka Omigbodun, described Adewole as a strategic thinker.

“The college is really honoured and privileged to have him, and we appreciate God for that,” she said.

Responding, Adewole thanked the organisers of the programme, his friends and well-wishers for putting up the programme in his honour. (NAN)