The Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the Youth Advocate for the Youth Initiative for Enhancing Long-Term Delivery of HPV Vaccine, with support from IVAC-DCL, has held a town hall meeting in Benin City to raise awareness on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer, and the importance of HPV vaccination.
The meeting was held at Ugbekun Primary Health Centre in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. It brought together stakeholders, including the wife of the Ikpoba Okha Council Chairman, Mrs. Onome Osawaru, religious leaders, education stakeholders, market women, youth leaders, community representatives, and non-governmental organizations.
During the session, health workers and community leaders discussed some of the challenges affecting HPV vaccine acceptance and uptake. They also addressed common fears, concerns, and misconceptions about the vaccine.
To further strengthen advocacy, participants were encouraged to become ambassadors for HPV vaccination by sharing correct information with their families, friends, and communities.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osawaru, who was represented by Mr. Jeff Scott Emuakpor, commended the Edo State Government and its partners for organizing the program. He assured stakeholders that the council would continue to support health interventions that protect women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, the State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Omogun Elfrida, urged parents, caregivers, schools, and community leaders to support the vaccination of eligible girls with the Human Papillomavirus vaccination to prevent them from having cervical cancer.
The State Health Educator, Mrs. Irene Uabor, added to the discourse and stressed the need for continuous public education to improve vaccine acceptance in communities.
Similarly, Mr. Enwezor MacLean, an official of the Youth Advocate for the Youth Initiative, stated that HPV infection remains a public health concern in Nigeria while emphasizing vaccination as a long-term protection. He noted that although vaccination hesitancy is not peculiar to Nigeria, it is a global challenge that requires strong community advocacy.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders renewed their commitment to promote HPV vaccination, strengthen community awareness, and protect young girls from the future risk of cervical cancer