The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on the stakeholders in the state to support the ongoing Human Papilloma Virus vaccination to prevent infections that could cause cervical cancer in adolescent girls.
Speaking at the official launch of the Oya Campaign on HPV Vaccination and Adolescent Nutrition in Akure on Wednesday, the governor revealed that 321,008 adolescent girls in the state have already received the vaccine.
The campaign, spearheaded by the NGO Girl Effect in partnership with the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination and adolescent health.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, and persistent infection with high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer, a major cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Simi Odimayo, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the vaccination programme, which began in the state on May 27, 2024, needs widespread community support to succeed.
“This campaign must reach every corner of the state. We urge all stakeholders parents, community leaders, health workers, and educators to join hands in promoting awareness and ensuring our girls are protected,” he said.
The governor encouraged residents to participate actively in the campaign and help spread accurate information about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in preventing HPV-related diseases.
