A non-governmental organisation, GIRL EFFECT NIGERIA has officially launched its Human Papilloma Virus, HPV vaccination campaign in Ondo State, thus reducing the risk of cervical cancer among girls in the state.
GIRL EFFECT NIGERIA is a non-governmental organisation committed to the empowerment of adolescent girls and ensuring that girls are protected against the deadly virus in society.
The exercise tagged “OYA” campaign is supported by Gavi the vaccine alliance in collaboration with the Ondo state primary health care development agency.
At the event in Akure, the state capital, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the initiative by GIRL EFFECT NIGERIA marked a new phase in his administration’s efforts at safeguarding the health and well-being of the young population in the state.
Represented by the special adviser on health, Professor Simidele Odimayo, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the organisation for complementing the state government efforts.
Earlier, In a welcome address, the Country Director, GIRL EFFECT NIGERIA, Mrs Boladale Akin-Kolapo explained that the “OYA Campaign” was a call to action for all stakeholders to as a matter of urgency rise up to the task of securing the health and future of girls against human papilloma virus.
Mrs Akin-Kolapo noted that the organisation was currently working in Ondo and five other states to increase awareness, drive demand, and support the uptake of the HPV vaccine among girls while also integrating nutrition education to promote holistic adolescent well-being.
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo state primary health care development agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu represented by the Director, Immunisation and Disease Control, Dr Victor Adefesoye, expressed optimism that the “OYA Campaign” would complement the efforts of the state government which already recorded 94.5% coverage in vaccination of girls from 9-14 years against HPV and the vaccine included in routine immunisation charts.
The Special Adviser to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye promised that her ministry would provide the necessary support for GIRL EFFECT In its bid to help girls in Ondo state attain their full potentials.
In a goodwill message on behalf of development partners, representative of the World Health Organization, Mr. Stephen Amadi described HPV vaccine as a powerful tool to prevent HPV-related diseases and called on mothers to ensure that their girls were vaccinated.
In a presentation on HPV vaccine and Nutrition, Evidence and Insight Manager, Girl Effect Nigeria, Nancy Zi enjoined girls to embrace good and affordable nutrition for a healthy living.
In an interview, one of the students, Prosperous Oni appreciated GIRL EFFECT NIGERIA for putting the wellbeing of adolescent girls at heart, promising to spread the information on HPV vaccination.
Highlights of the event were presentation of award to Governor Aiyedatiwa and the presentation of the Girl effect research activities by the team.
The programme was attended by Traditional rulers, Religious leaders, Women groups, Students and some top officials of Ondo state government.
Human papilloma virus, HPV, a causative agent for cervical cancer has become a public health emergency because of its debilitating effects on women and the high fatality rate.
