In an effort to reduce cervical cancer cases in the country and increase immunity of vulnerable girls in the state, the Ogun State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF has commenced an intensification programme on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in 12 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Director, Disease control and Immunisation, Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Thomas Solarin, disclosed this while briefing members of the State Social Mobilisation Committee in Abeokuta during the stakeholders meeting.
He stated that the intensification programme was needed following the routinisation of vaccination across Health facilities in the state which recorded less than 60 percent of targeted girls of 9-14years, leaving over 40 percent unprotected against HPV, which put them at risk of having the virus in future.
Solarin enjoined mothers and caregivers in Abeokuta South, Ado-odo/ Ota, Ifo, Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Ikenne, Obafemi Owode, Odeda, Odogbolu, Sagamu, Ipokia and Yewa North Local Government Areas to visit designated centres, Health Facilities with their girls from ages 9-14yrs to get vaccinated for free.
In their goodwill messages, the UNICEF VSL consultant, Mrs. Florence Moloku and the State Coordinator, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Victoria Adebiyi, appreciated the efforts of the SSMC Members on their constant efforts and commitment at ensuring immunisation campaign at their various domains, seeking more support in creating awareness and mobilising for the programme which would run for Six (6) weeks.
