Cancer: Ekiti First Lady ensures vaccination of 266,000 girls
By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
In the battle against cancer and to prevent the dreaded disease, the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has led the vacination of some 266000 girls against cervical cancer.
She called for intensified efforts to expand Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage, emphasizing the need for aggressive sensitization and community mobilization to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer.
Dr. Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, made this appeal on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during the official launch of the OYA Campaign on HPV Vaccination and Adolescent Nutrition. The campaign, organized by Girl Effect in partnership with the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), aims to improve vaccine uptake and promote holistic adolescent health.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Oyebanji highlighted the progress made so far, stating, “Since the flag-off of the HPV vaccination in Ekiti State on May 27, 2024, I am proud to report that over 266,000 eligible girls aged 9 to 14 have been vaccinated, thanks to the tireless efforts of our health workers, government agencies, development partners, and parents.”
She, however, noted that the work is far from over, stressing the importance of sustaining the momentum to ensure no girl is left behind. “This marks the next phase of our efforts, not only to expand HPV vaccination coverage but to integrate vital nutrition education that will equip our girls to grow into healthy women,” she said.
Dr. Oyebanji was also presented with the “Mother of the State: HPV Vaccination Vanguard Award” by Girl Effect in recognition of her dedication to adolescent health.
Empowering the Next Generation
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, commended the initiative, urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts to reach every eligible girl in the state. Addressing the diverse audience, including students, traditional and religious leaders, and market women, he said, “We must seize this opportunity to expand HPV coverage for the betterment of our society.”
Boladale Akin-Kolapo, the Country Director of Girl Effect, described the campaign as a “revolutionary movement,” emphasizing the transformative power of empowering adolescent girls. “When we empower a girl, we empower a nation,” Akin-Kolapo said. She added that the OYA campaign is a call to action against preventable diseases, aiming to equip girls with the knowledge and tools to lead healthy lives.
Dr. Funke Ogunbunmi, Chairman of the Ekiti State PHCDA, further stressed the importance of timely vaccination, noting that HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer, a preventable but deadly disease. “We need to take decisive action to prevent preventable diseases and keep our girls healthy,” she said.
The event also drew support from key partners, including the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and Solina Health, whose representatives praised the initiative and called for continued collaboration to ensure the campaign’s success.
