In preparation for the second phase of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination for adolescent girls in Ondo State, the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC) HPV Vaccine Champions through Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), hosted an event on Friday, May 24, 2024, to educate adolescents and stakeholders in Akure about the upcoming HPV vaccination exercise.
Starting Monday, May 27, 2024, girls aged 9 to 14 will receive the HPV vaccine. The event aimed to dispel myths surrounding the vaccine and prepare girls for the vaccination process.
The IVAC HPV Vaccine Champions organized an event titled “HPV Vaccination: Uniting Voices through Dialogue” at Local Authority Primary School II in Akure. The event targeted both in-school and out-of-school adolescents from various schools.
Mr. Sunday Akinrelere, the Ondo State representative of IVAC and Master Trainer, highlighted that the HPV vaccination aims to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. The event included competitions in Debate, Dance, Drama, Drawing, and Discussion to engage adolescents and emphasize the importance of the vaccination.
Schools that participated in the competitions were awarded for their involvement. Dr. Victor Adefesoye, the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Director for Disease Control and Immunization, stressed the importance of the five-day multi-age campaign and urged parents to ensure their daughters aged 9 to 14 are vaccinated within this period.
Dr. Olubunmi Osewole, Deputy Director for Disease Control and Immunization, encouraged students to prioritize their health and communicate any unusual symptoms to their parents. She also addressed misconceptions about the vaccine.
Dr. Aiyeku Olajumoke, the State Secretary of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), urged students to abstain from sexual activity to prevent cervical cancer and to inform their friends about the HPV vaccine’s safety.
The event was also attended by the State Health Educator, Mr. Olomiye Kehinde, and the State MWAN President, Dr. Akinwonmi B.A. Participating schools included Local Authority Primary School II, Adegbola Grammar School, Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Ijigba Community High School, Janesville Group of Schools, and The African Church Comprehensive High School.
