By Kemi Olatunde

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In furtherance of efforts to ensure a successful administration of Human Papillona Virus Vaccine and tackle cervical cancer in Ondo state, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) has begun advocacy visits to stakeholders in the state.

Speaking at the office of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, the Agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Francis Akanbiemu said administration of the vaccine has been scheduled to take place in May in Ondo State, stressing the need to start awareness campaign in earnest.

Akanbiemu who was represented by the Director Deceased Control and Immunization, Dr Victor Adefesoye said administration of the vaccine is for young girls between the age of 9-14 years and it is free.

According to him, cervical cancer has caused a lot of health damage to women in the past, noting that with the introduction of the vaccine, the effects would not only be mitigated but nip it in the bud.

 In their separate speeches during the visit, the World Health Organization State Coordinator, Dr Dele Davies and UNICEF representatives, Mr Tunde Ayo Ade requested for adequate supports from the state, especially in the area of security and counterpart funding to ensure the success of the programme.

 While thanking the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, WHO, UNICEF and National primary Health Care Development Agency for the advocacy visit, the Commissioner, Dr Banji Ajaka pledged the support of state government and promised to personally lead other advocacy visits to stakeholders.

Ajaka who said that introduction of HPV vaccine has been confronted with conspiracy theories just like it happened during the COVID-19, said stakeholders like traditional rulers, religious leaders, market women, educational institutions  must be adequately engaged and sensitized on the benefits HPV Vaccine.