• Partners youths advocate, EDSPHCDA to push campaign
From our news desk, Benin
In the continued fight against the scourge of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly amongst the young people, Edo State Government has reassured of its commitment to public health awareness.
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As it pledged partnership, with the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), and a youth advocacy group to improve uptake of the HPV vaccine across the State.
This flows from the courtesy visit of a youth-led advocacy delegation to the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Benin-City.
The advocacy group champions the long-term delivery of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Edo State.
This was contained in a press release by the media team of the Ministry, headed by Daisy Osunde, a director, and circulated amongst journalists weekend.
Speaking during the visit, Youth Advocate for the Edo Youth Project, Maclean Enuezor, emphasized the urgent need for sustained education and awareness to improve uptake of the HPV vaccine across the State.
He informed, that the initiative is focused on ensuring long-term delivery through structured health education, particularly targeting young people who are most at risk.
Enuezor, who led the advocacy effort, was accompanied by Irene Uabor, State Health Educator who represented the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA).
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The team underscored the importance of collaborative engagement with key government institutions to strengthen vaccine acceptance and public confidence.
He explained that the visit aimed to foster strategic partnerships that would enhance community sensitization and address misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine.
Adding; that youth-driven advocacy remains critical in bridging information gaps at the grassroots level.
Also speaking, the State Health Educator, EDSPHCDA, Irene Uabor, emphasized the importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
She highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts in promoting immunization across the State and stressed the need for increased awareness, especially among parents and caregivers, to ensure eligible children are vaccinated.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, expressed appreciation for the delegation’s visit and their proactive approach to improving public health outcomes.
She reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the group in driving widespread sensitization campaigns on the importance of HPV vaccination.
The Commissioner acknowledged that vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge, noting that some individuals are reluctant to take the HPV vaccine due to cultural, spiritual, and traditional beliefs.
She stressed the need for consistent public education to dispel myths and encourage acceptance.
High point of the visit was the presentation of a comprehensive policy and programmes document aimed at enhancing the long-term delivery of HPV vaccination through health education in Edo State.
The document outlines strategic approaches for sustainable implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and community engagement.
In a significant show of support, Hon. Abdallah formally pledged the Ministry’s commitment to join the advocacy campaign, signaling a strengthened partnership between government and youth-led initiatives in promoting preventive healthcare.
The collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in improving awareness, increasing vaccine uptake, and ultimately reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases across Edo State.
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