Oyo State has recorded a remarkable 98% coverage in its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, targeting over 500,000 girls.
This was highlighted at a one-day social mobilization technical committee meeting organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The meeting, which brought together participants from various NGOs and government agencies, focused on addressing the challenges and success stories related to the HPV vaccine rollout.
The Social and Behaviour Change Specialist at UNICEF, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, emphasized the critical role of stakeholders in achieving the feat.
One of the key issues discussed was the initial resistance to the HPV vaccine, which was mitigated through targeted efforts involving private school owners, education stakeholders, and religious organizations. These initiatives were instrumental in overcoming early hesitations and increasing vaccine acceptance across the state.
She maintained that the strategic engagement with critical stakeholders, including direct involvement with parents and religious leaders, proved effective in expanding the vaccine’s reach across all 33 local government areas.
“Oyo State is leading the South West in HPV vaccination coverage, setting a precedent for others,” she remarked. “Our efforts have made HPV vaccination part of routine immunization, and the demand now exceeds supply. The vaccine, which is provided for free, is crucial in the fight against cervical cancer, a disease that has devastating impacts on women.”
According to her, the success of this campaign has positioned Oyo as a model for other states, which are now looking to replicate its strategies in their vaccination programs.
As the demand for the vaccine grows, Oyo State remains committed to expanding its coverage and ensuring that every eligible child is protected against HPV, thereby safeguarding the future of the next generation.