As the people of Ekiti East Local Government, Ekiti State, prepare for the rollout of the HPV vaccine from Monday, May 27th to Friday, May 31st, 2024, female students and young girls have applauded the “School HPV Vaccine Fun Fair” the program aimed at raising awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine’s role in preventing cervical cancer.
On Friday, selected students from all secondary schools in the area gathered at Omuo Comprehensive High School, Omuo Ekiti where Mr. Adewumi Idowu Peter, the master trainer and Youth Representative for HPV Phase II Introduction in Ekiti State, along with nine Vaccine Champions in Ekiti East LGA, spoke extensively about HPV. The sensitization centered on transmission process, (both sexual and non-sexual), types (low-risk and high-risk), and symptoms, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the girls’ futures against cervical cancer.
Mr. Adewumi stressed the importance of understanding HPV for both prevention and early detection highlighting that education about the virus, vaccination programs, and regular health screenings are crucial strategies for reducing HPV-related diseases.
He explained that the program’s sponsors aim to reduce and potentially eradicate terminal diseases globally, focusing on vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 to protect them from cancer.
According to him, the John Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), Women Access Vaccine Access (WAVA), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and Gavi are collaborating to ensure vaccines reach vulnerable populations for better health outcomes.
The program began with an introductory speech by Adewumi Idowu Peter, who thanked the sponsors for empowering him and the Vaccine Champions in their advocacy and mobilization efforts, saying that empowerment has enabled them to contribute to securing the future of young girls in Ekiti State.
Stakeholders, including teachers, area education officers, community and religious leaders, security operatives, health educators, and healthcare teams, attended the sensitization program. The vice principal of the host school lauded the initiative, noting that the localized, face-to-face communication strategy, alongside radio programs, helped build confidence and mobilize female students to take the vaccine.
The Health Educator in Ekiti East LGA who delivered a lecture on “Understanding Cervical Cancer Prevention: Highlighting Benefits and Addressing Myths of HPV Vaccination,” addressed the misinformation and answered participants’ questions.
The program featured interactive educational workshops on cervical cancer and HPV, local musical performances, and a stage drama by participating students. The Area Education Officer (AEO) in Ekiti East LGA commended the federal government and NPHCDA for their thorough publicity efforts and encouraged participants to spread the message in their communities.
Other speakers, including the school principal and a community leader, hailed the Vaccine Champions for their grassroots efforts, maintaining relationships with management and students earlier before the scheduled date of the vaccination. Students engaged with the Vaccine Champions, clarified their understanding of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine, and presented drama and music performances in local languages, emphasizing the importance of vaccination for girls aged 9-14.
Dignitaries at the program pledged their support in mobilizing communities to participate in the vaccination program.
