First lady’s HPV vaccination campaign aims to save thousands of lives

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The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called for proactive measures to increase the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine coverage in the state, citing the importance of protecting young girls from cervical cancer. Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, Dr. Oyebanji made the call during the official launch of the OYA Campaign on HPV Vaccination and Adolescent Nutrition in Ado Ekiti.

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The campaign, organised by Girl Effect in partnership with the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency, aims to create awareness about HPV vaccination and good nutritional practices. Dr. Oyebanji noted that since the HPV vaccination program was flagged off in May 2024, over 266,000 eligible girls between the ages of 9 and 14 have been vaccinated.

“The HPV vaccine remains one of the most effective tools in our collective fight against cervical cancer, a disease that disproportionately affects women and continues to take lives that could otherwise be saved,” Dr. Oyebanji said. “Through this campaign, we aim to create awareness about HPV vaccination and good nutritional practices, further strengthening our holistic approach to adolescent girls’ health.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, called for intensified mobilisation and enlightenment to ensure no girl is left unvaccinated in the state. “Let us maximise this opportunity to increase the HPV coverage for the betterment of our society,” Filani charged.

The Country Director of Girl Effect, Boladale Akin-Kolapo, described the event as “a revolutionary movement rooted in the belief that when we empower a girl, we empower a nation.” Akin-Kolapo added that the campaign is designed to reach adolescent girls aged 9-14 with vital health education, including nutritional awareness and the promotion of HPV vaccine uptake.

The Chairman of Ekiti State PHCDA, Dr. Funke Ogunbunmi, urged female students within the age bracket to get vaccinated, noting that “HPV can cause cervical cancer and also psychological problems. We need to make a move to prevent preventable diseases and stay healthy.”

Other stakeholders, including the Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, and the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Bimpe Aderiye, lauded the initiative and implored all stakeholders to support the campaign.

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