By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Wednesday, visited critical stakeholders in Ibadan to seek their commitment to promoting Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine trust and uptake in Oyo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the advocacy visits of the UNICEF team was led by the Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, UNICEF Lagos, Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole.
Among the stakeholders the team visited were community/traditional rulers, market heads and religious leaders.
Akinola-Akinwole said that the essence of the advocacy visit was to seek the commitment of behaviour influencers in promoting the importance of HPV vaccine for girls between 9 and 14 years.
She called on all stakeholders, including parents and caregivers, to join the organisation to promote the demand of HPV vaccine once launched in Oyo state , saying that this should not be left for the government alone.
“It should be a joint collaboration. The HPV vaccine will be launched in Oyo State on May 27 and it will remain in the health centres as part of the routine immunisation schedule in the country.
“The vaccine, which is for girls between 9 and 14 years is to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria in 2030,” she said.
According to her, cervical cancer is the second leading type of cancer in women in the country.
She, therefore, urged all stakeholders, especially parents and caregivers, to protect the future of their female children by giving their consent for girls within 9-14 years to take it.
“The vaccines are safe and effective and had proven to be very effective in reducing cervical cancer burden in countries," Akinola-Akinwole said.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdulganiyy Agbotomokere, pledged that the launch of the vaccine would be announced ahead at the general mosque and in communities.
Agbotomokere promised to extend the awareness to other Islamic clerics so that they would also spread the news through their sermons.
Also, the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Abiola Oyinlola, promised to go round markets to create more awareness on the importance of taking the vaccine. (NAN)
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