The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has appealed to stakeholders across the state to back the ongoing Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination initiative aimed at preventing infections that could lead to cervical cancer among adolescent girls.
He revealed that 321,008 girls in the state have already received the vaccine.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made these remarks on Wednesday during the official launch of the Oya Campaign on HPV Vaccination and Adolescent Nutrition held in Akure, the state capital.
The campaign is a collaborative effort between the NGO Girl Effect and the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
The HPV vaccine is widely recognized as an effective measure to prevent HPV infections, a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Prof. Simi Odimayo, the governor noted that the vaccination program began on May 27, 2024. He emphasized the importance of expanding awareness about the vaccine throughout the state and encouraged everyone to participate in the campaign.
He stated, “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.
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“This marked a significant step in our commitment to preserving the health of 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.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Boladale Akin-Kolapo, Country Director of Girl Effect, highlighted the support of development partners such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and collaboration with the Ondo State Primary Healthcare 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.
