The Ogun State government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to addressing the growing burden of cancer in the state through life-saving health initiatives and policies aimed at improving healthcare delivery. This pledge was emphasized by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, during the inauguration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Champions in Abeokuta on Friday.
The HPV vaccination campaign is a collaborative effort between the Ogun State government and a number of development partners, including Pathfinder International, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Ogun Family Health Initiative, among others. This initiative aims to combat cervical cancer, which remains a significant health challenge for women across the globe.
Dr. Coker highlighted that the HPV Champions selected from various parts of the state, including the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, will play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of the HPV vaccine. The vaccine targets young girls aged 9 to 14, helping them to protect themselves from cervical cancer in the future. These Champions, she said, are entrusted with the responsibility of educating their communities about the vaccine’s significance and encouraging its uptake.
The Commissioner urged the newly appointed HPV Champions to view their roles as crucial in the fight against cancer. She stressed that their efforts would be instrumental in integrating the HPV vaccine into the state’s routine immunization programs, especially in remote and underserved communities.
“This initiative is in line with our broader public health strategy to enhance immunization coverage and reduce the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases across Ogun State,” Dr. Coker stated. She further explained that dispelling misconceptions and educating the public about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness would be key to increasing vaccine acceptance and uptake.
The state government, according to Dr. Coker, will ensure that the HPV vaccine remains available at all health facilities across Ogun State, with a special focus on reaching rural and difficult-to-access areas. In addition, the government plans to continue its engagement with key community leaders, including religious and traditional rulers, to foster trust and promote the vaccine’s benefits.
Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Healthcare Primary Board, emphasized the importance of the initiative in overcoming barriers such as misinformation and myths, which have hindered the widespread acceptance of the HPV vaccine in the state.
Dr. Amina Darayi, the Country Director for Pathfinder International, also spoke at the event, stressing that the HPV vaccine is free, safe, and one of the most effective tools in the fight against cervical cancer. She appealed to the HPV Champions to promote the importance of vaccinating girls between 9 and 14 years old, highlighting the vaccine’s role in preventing cervical cancer later in life.
In his remarks, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, praised the initiative, acknowledging its potential to build trust and educate people at the grassroots level. He expressed confidence that with the help of the HPV Champions, the community’s perception of the vaccine would improve, encouraging parents to have their daughters vaccinated alongside other routine immunizations.
The collaborative efforts and targeted strategies outlined by the Ogun State government are set to make significant strides in the battle against cervical cancer, offering protection to countless girls and contributing to the overall improvement of public health in the state.
