By Akeem Ologbon

In preparation for the kick-off of the second phase of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination for girls in three Southwest states, including Ondo, the Ondo State HPV Vaccine Champions of Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC) through Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL) organized a big event on Friday, 24th May, 2024 to sensitize adolescents and stakeholders in Akure ahead of the HPV vaccination exercise.

The HPV Vaccination which would commence on Monday 27th, 2024 would be administered to girls between age 9 and 14, hence the need for adequate enlightenment to disregard the misconceptions associated with the Vaccine, and get girls ready for it.

To this end, the IVAC HPV Vaccine Champions organised a sensitization event with the theme: “HPV Vaccination: Uniting Voices through Dialogue”, for in-school and out-of-school adolescents drawn from different schools, held at L.A. Primary School 2, Akure.

In his Introductory remark, the Ondo State representative of IVAC and Master Trainer, Mr. Sunday Akinrelere, enlightened the participants on the purpose of HPV vaccination which is aimed at preventing cervical cancer and some other HPV-related diseases.

According to him, the Ondo Vaccine Champions event which was executed through “5Ds competitions of  ‘Debate, Dance, Drama, Drawing, and Discussion” was geared towards cultivating a generation of active Adolescents and youths who understood the importance of HPV Vaccination against cervical cancer.

Akinrelere, thereafter, awarded the schools that participated in the competition and appreciated them for their prompt response to the invitation.

Also speaking, the Ondo State Director for Disease Control and Immunization (DDC/I) in the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Victor Adefesoye emphasised the importance of the vaccination exercise which would run for five days, while encouraging parents to make their girls seize opportunity of the time frame and be vaccinated against the deadly disease that has been claiming the lives of women.

“Parents should take the vaccination much more seriously because the immunization will last for 5 days, starting from May 27th – June 2nd. Another enrollment for the vaccination will begin by January, 1st 2025, but it won’t be available for free for pupils above the age of 9,” He stated.

The deputy director for disease control and immunization, Dr. Olubunmi Osewole, in her speech, urged the students to prioritize their health, noting that Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted virus that is very dangerous.

Dr. Osewole stressed the importance of prompt action in case of unusual signs in their body and advised them to notify their parents of such symptoms.

She said, “Tell your parents the significant reasons for this vaccination and also try and convince them, especially those who believe that the immunization is meant to reduce our population.”

While addressing the students, the secretary of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Aiyeku Olajumoke who listed preventive measures to curb the cancer, charged the pupils to embrace the opportunity, describing cervical cancer as the second most common cancer in Nigeria.

“You are still young, and to prevent cervical cancer, you must abstain from sexual intercourse. Also, you must ensure you tell your friends about the Human papillomavirus vaccine and that it is secure.”, she added.

The schools that participated in the HPV Vaccine Champions Event 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.