…...Stakeholders Back HPV Routinization Drive…..
The Ondo State Government has commenced the routinization of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine across the state, following the successful vaccination of 69 per cent of targeted girls during the last HPV immunization campaign.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, stated this at the State HPV Vaccination Technical Working Group meeting held in Akure.
The meeting focused on strategies for sustaining and integrating the HPV vaccine into routine immunization services.
Dr. Akanbiemu, who was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, attributed the success of the HPV vaccination programme for girls aged 9 to 14 years to the adoption of a school-based vaccination approach, strong collaboration among health workers, teachers, and community leaders, increased awareness through sensitization campaigns, and support from development partners.
He also noted that during the last Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, Ondo State was ranked the best-performing state, crediting the achievement to the dedication of the State Technical Working Group. 
He urged members to intensify advocacy and sensitization efforts on the HPV vaccine, which has now been integrated into routine immunization for nine-year-old girls in all health facilities across the state.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, Mr. Sunday Akinrelere of the International Vaccine Access Center expressed concern over the high rate of cervical cancer in the country. He stressed that partners remain committed to ensuring that no girl is left unvaccinated and called on parents and guardians not to take advantage of the vaccine for granted, emphasizing its critical role in preventing cervical cancer.
In her presentation on the HPV vaccine performance overview, the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Florence Fadiji, said the state recorded an impressive performance, surpassing its target of 63,105 girls by vaccinating 69 per cent of the intended population. 
She however, noted that more work needs to be done to ensure that girls who are yet to receive the vaccine are reached, as part of efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.
Also speaking, Mr. Idris Suleiman of the Girl Effect said the programme would be sustained through continuous collaboration among stakeholders.
He commended the Ondo State Government for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of residents.
Dignitaries at the event included the Asae of Akure, The representative of the Chief Imam of Akure, Dr. Yusuf Olalere; the President of the Market Women Association, Mrs. Kemi Aisida; the Director of Nursing Services, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs. Stella Adeyemi; members of the media, and other stakeholders.
