Ahead of the May 27th 2024 kick off date of the vaccination of HPV in Oyo state a group of non governmental organizations have synergized to sensitizes girls within the age range of 9-14years who are direct beneficiaries of the vaccine on the importance and efficacy of the vaccine
At the mega schools’ sensitization organized by Centre for Disaster Risk and Crisis Reduction (CDRCR), in partnership with International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), National Primary Health Care Development (NPHCDA), Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) with funding from Johns Hopkins, the school girls were also sensitized on the necessary information about the vaccine which is a major way of protecting them against cervical cancer in the future.
The convener, Mr. Kolawole Amusat stated that the objective of the mega sensitization is to educate the girls (both in-school and out-of-school) who are going to be vaccinated from 27 May, 2024 was to assure them the safety of the vaccine and its effectiveness.
Mr. Amusat noted that governments and other partners are ready to do the needful to ensure the vaccine is available for all eligible girls, and therefore urged the girls to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves against cervical cancer in the future.
The Lead presenter, Dr. Olalude of Women Medical Association of Nigeria (MWAN) made it clear to hundreds of students in attendance that the human papilloma virus which causes the cervical cancer spread through skin-to-skin sexual engagements, and added that the cancer annually kills about 8,000 women.
She noted that the symptoms may not show in many but some infected persons might experience itching, pain during sex and blood after sexual intercourse. She encouraged the girls to make sure they are vaccinated to protect them against the deadly cervical cancer.
Other presentations are were taken by Mrs Agnes Tola-Winjobi, representative of Child Protection Network who explained why parents, guidance and the girls themselves should be prepared for the acceptance of the vaccine and participate actively; and Mrs Salawu, the Ibadan North East Local Government Health Educator who hammered on the safety of the vaccine for the girls, also dispel rumours that may lead to vaccine hesitancy in the community.
The students were entertained with playlets from Queen of Apostle, Oluyoro and Community Grammar School, Iwo –Road, passing messages assuring the participants the safety of the vaccine as a major protection against cervical cancer.
The hallmark of the event was the maiden inauguration of student chapters of HPV Champions in various secondary schools in the Local government. In his closing remarks, Mrs Jimoh, the Local Inspector of Education in Ibadan North East Local Government ably represented by her Assistant informed the participating girls that the Ministry of Education in the State is supportive, therefore encouraged them to present themselves for vaccination.
