Ekiti State Leads Nigeria’s Fight Against Cervical Cancer with Historic HPV Vaccination Drive
In a landmark public health achievement, Ekiti State has vaccinated over **266,000 young girls** against the cancer-causing Human Papillomavirus (HPV), setting a new standard for women’s health protection in Nigeria.
Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, the state’s First Lady and champion of adolescent health, received the prestigious *Mother of the State: HPV Vaccination Vanguard Award* for her leadership in this life-saving initiative. “Every single vaccination represents a future protected from cervical cancer’s devastating impact,” declared Dr. Oyebanji through her representative, Women Affairs Commissioner Mrs. Peju Babafemi.
Why This Matters
– Cervical cancer prevention: The HPV vaccine blocks up to 90% of cervical cancer cases
– Critical age protection: Vaccinating girls aged 9-14 before potential HPV exposure ensures maximum effectiveness
– Public health milestone: Ekiti’s success demonstrates what’s possible through government-community partnerships
The vaccination campaign, launched on May 27, 2024, has become a model for other states, combining:
– School-based immunization programs
– Community education initiatives
– Multi-sector collaboration with organizations like Girl Effect
“While we celebrate vaccinating 266,000 girls, our work continues until every eligible child in Ekiti is protected,” Dr. Oyebanji emphasized during the launch of the OYA Campaign (meaning “Wake Up” in Yoruba). This new initiative expands efforts to include adolescent nutrition education alongside HPV vaccination.
The Bigger Picture
– Cervical cancer kills 8,000 Nigerian women annually
– Just two vaccine doses can provide lifetime protection
– Nigeria aims to vaccinate80% of eligible girls nationwide by 2025
Ekiti’s achievement proves that with strong leadership, community engagement, and sustained effort, Nigeria can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. As Dr. Oyebanji noted: “When we invest in our girls’ health today, we secure healthier generations tomorrow.”
This story was produced in collaboration with health advocates working to end preventable women’s cancers across Africa.
The First Lady’s powerful words captured the campaign’s mission perfectly: “Today begins a new chapter in our health revolution – one that goes beyond HPV vaccinations to nurture our girls’ overall wellbeing through proper nutrition education. OYA isn’t just a name, it’s our urgent rallying cry for every community to take immediate action in protecting our daughters’ health and futures.”
She emphasized that this comprehensive approach addresses two critical foundations of adolescent health: disease prevention through vaccination and lifelong wellness through proper nutrition. “We’re not just giving shots, we’re building healthier generations,” Dr. Oyebanji explained, stressing how the campaign’s name – OYA – embodies the pressing need for communities to wake up and actively participate in this vital health initiative.
The message was clear: protecting young girls requires more than medical interventions alone. By combining vaccination with nutrition education, Ekiti State is creating a holistic health shield that will help girls develop into strong, healthy women capable of leading their communities forward. “This is about transforming our entire approach to adolescent health,” the First Lady noted, “where prevention and proper nourishment work hand-in-hand to give every girl her best chance at a thriving future.”
Her call to action resonated deeply with attendees: communities must recognize this pivotal moment and work together to ensure no girl misses out on these life-protecting measures. The OYA campaign represents both an opportunity and responsibility – to act now in securing the health of Nigeria’s next generation of women leaders, mothers, and change-makers.
Dr. Oyebanji emphasized the campaign’s dual mission: raising awareness about HPV vaccination while promoting proper nutrition for adolescent girls’ overall wellbeing. She stressed this comprehensive approach represents Ekiti’s commitment to holistic healthcare for young women.
Health Commissioner Dr. Oyebanji Filani praised partners Girl Effect and the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency for their initiative. He urged community leaders, students, and women gathered at the event to help ensure every eligible girl receives this life-saving vaccine, calling it crucial for society’s future.
Girl Effect Country Director Boladale Akin-Kolapo framed the initiative as transformative, stating: “Empowering girls means empowering our nation.” She described the OYA campaign as both a movement and urgent call to action against preventable diseases, aligning with Girl Effect’s mission to help young women achieve health, education, and economic independence.
The event brought together key stakeholders – from traditional rulers to market women – united behind protecting Ekiti’s girls through vaccination and nutrition education. Leaders emphasized that widespread community participation will determine the campaign’s success in reaching every eligible adolescent.
Dr. Oyebanji explained the campaign specifically targets girls aged 9-14, delivering crucial health education about nutrition and HPV vaccination – a proven shield against cervical cancer that threatens many Nigerian women.
Ekiti State PHCDA Chairman Dr. Funke Ogunbunmi emphasized this initiative demonstrates their commitment to girls’ health. She urged eligible students to get vaccinated, warning that HPV not only causes cervical cancer but also psychological trauma, stressing the importance of preventing avoidable diseases.
The event gained strong institutional support, with Ekiti’s Head of Service Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Education Commissioner Dr. Bimpe Aderiye, and representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and Solina Health all endorsing the campaign. They collectively called for full stakeholder participation to ensure its success in protecting young girls’ health.
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