By Muhammad Amaan
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has sought the commitment of critical stakeholders to promote Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine trust and uptake in Nigeria.
The advocacy visitation of the UNICEF team in Ibadan, Oyo State, 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.
Mrs Akinola-Akinwole said that the essence of the advocacy visit was to create awareness on the importance of taking the HPV vaccine among girls between 9 and 14 years.
She called on all stakeholders, including parents and caregivers, to join the organisation to promote the HPV vaccine trust and uptake, 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 cancer rate in women and the burden of cervical cancer among young girls,” she said.
According to her, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in the country.
She, therefore, urged all stakeholders, especially parents and caregivers, to create awareness on intake of the vaccine and allow their girls to take it.
“It’s not harmful; if not, the government will not approve and bring it,” 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.
