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ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Family Health Initiative Ogun (FAHIO), an advocacy working group, has ramped up efforts to educate the public on the importance and benefits of vaccinating girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer in women.
This renewed commitment was highlighted during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by FAHIO at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
Revd. Olajide Odugbemi, Secretary of FAHIO, urged all stakeholders, including individuals and organizations, to collaborate with the government in promoting HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14. This age group represents the critical window for effective prevention against cervical cancer.
Odugbemi said, ”FAHIO is co-opting representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), traditional, community and religious leaders in the state, to create public awareness on the importance of HPV vaccination, and encourage girls of age nine on its uptake, which is free of charge in government health facilities.”
Contributing, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola stated that HPV introduction campaign was done in the state in 2023, with 70 percent coverage, noting that it had been included in the Routine Immunization schedule for easy accessibility.
Dr. Ogunsola, who affirmed that HPV vaccine had been proved to be safe, potent and effective, noting that the# present administration-led by Prince Dapo Abiodun was committed to protect the future generations against vaccine preventable diseases.
”Apart from what FAHIO is doing now, the Board will explore all avenues by engaging Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), religious leaders in churches, mosques, and communities, to make sure that the target population of age nine are vaccinated,”he said.
On his part, the state Consultant, United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF), Dr. Pita Obam, pointed out that HPV is sexually transmitted and associated with cervical cancer, noting that timely vaccination would provide immunity for girl child between ages 9-14 before exposure to the virus.
He advised the people, particularly parents and guardians to disregard the myths and misconceptions about HPV vaccination for the safety of girl child presently and in future.
In their remarks, representatives of the Civil Society Organization, Mr. Olufemi Olusola and the state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Tosin Idowu pledged their support in achieving a zero free cervical cancer society.
