A pet project founded by the Wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation, has concluded plans to administer free vaccine against Human Papilloma Virus in the state.

She made this known on Thursday, during the inauguration of the BERWO committee in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

The inauguration featured the commissioning of the state Community and Social Development Agency Assisted Micro Projects in the area.

Nwifuru noted that the foundation, in collaboration with the state Primary Health Care Development Agency, would embark on the campaign for the vaccine on May 27.

The governor’s wife explained that the vaccine is targeted at young girls, between the ages of nine and 14, among other eligible children.

She noted that the exercise for the vaccine would last five days after which it will be incorporated into the routine immunisation schedule.

Nwifuru described the virus as a deadly disease that affects part of the womb of women and causes cancer in males but could be prevented through vaccination.

She, however, stated that the foundation had also commenced enrollment of people living with scrotal hernia, for surgical operation across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

“My pet project and other notable health partners in the state will also embark on screening and treatment of early-stage cervical cancer.

“Health is paramount and on our priority list as a government. We will give our best health care service delivery,” Nwifuru said.

In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Bernard Odo, assured that six courts had been designated to tackle issues affecting women.

“A high court and one magistrate court have been designated at Ebonyi north, central and south of the state to handle gender-based violent cases.

Mr Sunday Nwankwo, the Council Chairman, assured continuous partnership with the foundation to enhance healthcare services and empower the needy.

Mrs Josephine Elechi, wife of former Governor of the state, described the initiatives as a welcome development that would promote health care, and welfare and improve the livelihood of the downtrodden in the society.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mrs Nwifuru embarked on a tour of 13 local government areas of the state to realise her vision of equipping health facilities and ensuring quality healthcare services to vulnerable women and children in remote areas.

It was also reported that the event featured the inauguration of the BERWO committee to help enhance the quality of health and foster sustainable development in the area.