HPV Planning/Sensitisation: HFDI Reiterates Commitment To Health Service Support
Hope For Family Development Initiatives HFDI has reiterated its commitment to health service support on the prevention of Human Papilloma Virus on adolescents in Osun state.
The declaration was a result of the planning sensitisation campaign on HPV vaccination for girls at 9-years old.
At the HPV Intensification Vaccination Campaign held at Nurses House, Osun State, HFDI supported the campaign procedures which brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, Primary Healthcare Board, Ministry of Education, NGOs, healthcare workers, and community leaders.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is crucial for protecting young girls from cervical cancer which happens to be the second highest killing cancer in the world after breast cancer. Some key points highlighted about the vaccine’s benefits include:
* Prevention of HPV-related diseases – The vaccine protects against high-risk HPV strains responsible for cervical, vaginal, and other cancers.
* Long-term health benefits – Early vaccination ensures long-lasting protection, reducing future healthcare costs.
* Improving overall public health – Widespread vaccination lowers HPV transmission rates, benefiting entire communities.
The campaign aims to increase vaccine uptake among adolescent girls to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases. Emphasis was placed on reaching both urban and rural communities to ensure equity in healthcare delivery.
Plans for community engagement and public awareness to ensure parents and guardians understand the importance of the vaccine, as well as use of radio broadcasts, social media campaigns, and collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to dispel myths and misinformation about the vaccine were analysed.
Also, the need for intensified community education was emphasized to address concerns and misinformation.
The vaccination campaign officially begins on March 24 and ends on March 31, 2025.
All stakeholders were urged to mobilize communities, monitor vaccine distribution, and provide real-time updates on challenges faced during implementation. Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure their eligible daughters within receive the vaccine for long-term protection against HPV-related diseases to significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer and contribute to a healthier future for young girls.
Hope For Family Development Initiatives HFDI commended its participation programme organised by SPHCB, funded by UNICEF.