The Ogun Government through the Ministry of Information and Strategy is collaborating with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to raise awareness among youths on the introduction and uptake  of the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine in the State for the prevention of cervical cancer among females in their later years. 

Speaking at the event tagged "Engagement of Youth Champions on HPV Vaccine" held at the Iwe Iroyin Hall, Oke Ilewo, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Waheed Adeshina who described the youths as catalysts for change, said they are influencers who would illuminate the path towards achieving the goal of eradicating cancer through uptake of the HPV vaccines among women in the state, noting that they possess the energy and dedication that would drive a positive transformation in their various communities.

Adeshina stated that each participant played a vital role in the dissemination of correct and vital information about the vaccine that would be shared at the workshop to members of their various communities, charging them to empower other young minds with the knowledge of the vaccines, dispel misconceptions and ensure they make a difference in their localities.

The Permanent Secretary, who appreciated UNICEF for its continued support of the present administration's goal of ensuring the well-being of residents, disclosed that the HPV vaccine would be introduced into the State Routine Immunisation Schedule with a campaign between Tuesday, 24th through Saturday, 28th October, reassuring that it would make a significant difference in the lives of female children.

Also speaking, the representative, UNICEF Lagos Field Office and  Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) Specialist, Mrs Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole who said the objective of the workshop was to engage adolescents on HPV vaccine, noted that their role transcends beyond health campaigns as they remained a vital force in moving their various communities forward, stating that the workshop would equip participants with the skills required to take actions that would create change in their various resident.

In her presentation, Mrs Aderonke said participants as change champions must accept and acknowledge that vaccines are safe and effective as well as effectively communicate positively, confidently and convincingly using the various platforms available to them, enjoining them to ensure that they direct parents and all eligible girls to health centres closest to them during the campaign and get the commitment of parents to take actions against cervical and other cancers.

In his presentation, the State Health Education Officer, Primary Health Care Development Board, Mr Waheed Elegbede who said the HPV virus was the most common viral infection in the reproductive tract and a major cause of death among women in Nigeria, said vaccination protects against the disease, assuring that the vaccine was safe, potent and free for all girls between the ages of 9- 14 years on introduction.

Mr Elegbede added that the vaccination against HPV would afford Nigeria an opportunity for long-term health benefits such as a reduction in morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer, noting that a single dose of the vaccine would be administered to all eligible girls while two shots would be given to immunocompromised females.

On his part, Director of Information, Strategy, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka while charging the participants to be change actors in their various communities, urged them to not just make use of their android phones for fun but meaningfully engage and harness the various opportunities available on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp, LinkedIn among others to contribute to their physical, financial as well as personal development and the economy of the state as a whole. 

On behalf of other participants, Ajibade Adedeji, Sotola Patricia and Adebowale Tosin from Imeko Afon, Ijebu North East and Yewa South Local Government Areas appreciated the state government for prioritising their wellbeing, promising to spread the gospel of the vaccine in their various communities.