The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on the stakeholders in the state to support the ongoing Human Papilloma Virus vaccination to prevent infections that could cause cervical cancer in adolescent girls.
Already, the governor disclosed that a total of 321,008 adolescent girls in the state had been vaccinated.
He stated this at the official launch of the Oya Campaign on Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination and Adolescent Nutrition, in Akure, the state capital, on Wednesday
The campaign was organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation known as Girl Effect in conjunction with the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
It was gathered that the HPV vaccine was an effective way to prevent HPV infection, which is a common sexually transmitted infection that could lead to cervical cancer.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Prof Simi Odimayo, noted the programme started in the state on May 27, 2024, was a need for the campaign to go around the state to sensitize the people about the vaccine, calling on the people to join in the campaign.
He said, “It gives me great pleasure to be here for the official launch of the Oya Campaign powered by Girl Effect, an initiative dedicated to increasing the uptake of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine and promoting good nutrition among adolescent girls in Ondo State.
“On May 27, 2024, I had the distinct honour of flagging off the Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Campaign in Ondo State, which incidentally coincides with our Children’s Day celebrations.
“This marked a significant step in our commitment to preserving the health of We are sour our young girls. Since the launch, we have made remarkable progress, achieving a 94 percent coverage rate by 2024 based on the state’s target, with 321,008 girls aged nine to 14 years successfully vaccinated.
“This milestone achievement is a clear illustration of the collaborative efforts of our dedicated health workers, government agencies, development partners, and the unwavering support of parents and guardians across the state.
“However, our journey does not end here. The launch of the Oya Campaign marks a new phase in our efforts to not only sustain but also enhance the gains we have made. By integrating nutrition education into this campaign, we aim to provide our girls with comprehensive health knowledge that will serve them throughout their lives.
“The word ‘Oya’ signifies urgency and action. It is a clarion call to all stakeholders (parents, educators, community leaders, and health professionals) to actively participate in this campaign. Let us work together to ensure that every eligible girl receives the HPV vaccine and is educated on the importance of good nutrition.
In his remarks, the Country Director of the Girl Effect, Dr Boladale Akin-Kolapo, stated that the Oya Campaign was supported by some development partners such as Gavi and the Vaccine Alliance and implemented in collaboration with the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
“At Girl Effect, we believe that when a girl is healthy, informed, and confident in her voice and choices, she becomes a powerful force, not for her own future, but for her family, her community, and her nation. Through this campaign, we aim to increase awareness, drive demand, and support the uptake of the HPV vaccine among girls aged nine to 14. At the same time, we are integrating nutrition education to promote holistic adolescent well-being.
“The word ‘Oya’ is not just a name, it is a call to action. A call to our girls to rise up and protect their futures. A call to parents, caregivers, teachers, and leaders to stand beside them. And a call to all of us to act now because there is no health without God’s health,” she explained.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0