As part of efforts to increase vaccination coverage for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Ogun State Government in collaboration with a development partner, Pathfinder International has trained selected key stakeholders across the State, who will serve as HPV Vaccine Champions.

    

      Speaking at a two-day training programme in Abeokuta, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Health care Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola said it was  imperative to ensure that members of the public were adequately informed and educated on the benefits of HPV vaccination for girl child of age nine, which had been included in the immunization schedule.

   

      Dr. Ogunsola emphasised the need for improved coverage of the vaccination in the State, noting that the vaccine is free, safe , effective in protecting the future of girl child against cervical cancer.

   

      "The State government, development partners, NGOs and public-spirited individuals are working towards ensuring that parents, caregivers, educators, among others make girl child available for the long-life immunity vaccination'', he said.

   

     On his part, the Senior Communication Officer, Pathfinder International, Mr. Bayo Ewuola, said the essence of the training was to equip the champions with knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to advocate for the widespread acceptance and integration of the HPV vaccine into the routine immunisation programme.

  

     He commended the commitment of the state government and the technical working group, Family Health Initiative(FAHIO) on the vaccination campaign, urging the participants to work towards the realization of the objectives of the training in their different areas.

   

    The training had presentations by the State Immunisation Officer, Dr. Surajudeen Olayinka, and two  consultants, Dr. Idayat Oguntade and Dr. Muyideen Adeyemi.

   

      In their remarks, two of the champions, the Oloruba of Oruba, Ota Awori Kingdom,  in Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Government Area of the State, Oba Wadudu Deinde and the Iyaloja, OGD market, Sagamu, Mrs. Tobiloba Bamidele-Nelly, appreciated the organisers for the opportunity  to contribute their quota to HPV vaccination campaign in the State,  promising to deliver accordingly

 in their different localities.