GIRL EFFECT, OSPHCDA, Train Women Groups on HPV, HPVVI
GIRL EFFECT, a non-governmental organization, collaboration with the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), has trained over 20 women in Ondo state.
Participants who were representatives from WOWICAN, FONWAN, Anglican Women, Traditional Birth Attendants, Missionary Birth Attendants, and NAWOJ benefitted from the 2-day capacity-building workshop
Dr. Victor Adefesoye, Director of Disease Control at PHCDA, urged mothers to vaccinate their girls aged 9-14, as only 9-year-olds will have access to the vaccine from January 2025.
Dr Adefesoye noted that Despite achieving 94% success in the recent HPV vaccination program, some religious groups did not participate, hence the need for the training.
He stated that the Ondo State Government had incorporated the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization program inorder to sustain the success.
One of the Trainer, Chinelo Okonkwo emphasized the importance of educating girls about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine.
She highlighted Objectives of the program to include sensitisation of participants about Human Papiioma Virus (HPV) and HPV vaccine introduction and agree on the specific areas of support for HPV vaccine, identify the roles and reaponsibilities of the women religious groups and NAWOJ for the HPV vaccine, and secure the commitment of the women groups
The State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Comfort Olagundoye, highlighted cancer types, effects, and prevention, stressing the need for public awareness.
Participants appreciated the training and promised to apply their knowledge.
The workshop enabled religious bodies to develop a plan to reach girls who have not yet received the vaccine.
