Balqees Adeniji
In a bid to boost awareness and ensure accurate dissemination of information on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, media stakeholders convened in Abeokuta on Thursday for a strategic engagement session organized by the Family Health Initiative of Ogun (FAHIO) in partnership with Pathfinder International, Nigeria.
The event, held at the Primary Health Care Board conference room in Oke-Mosan, brought together journalists, health educators, and public health stakeholders to brainstorm on effective media strategies that will promote uptake of the HPV vaccine across the state.
In her welcome address, FAHIO Chairperson, Mrs. Oluwakemi Balogun, commended the media for its pivotal role in shaping public health narratives and called for synergy in countering misinformation about the vaccine.
“The media has the power to influence public perception. We need your partnership in ensuring that the message about HPV vaccination is clear, accurate and consistent,” she said.
Mrs. Waliyat Odemakin, FAHIO’s Media Officer, highlighted the objectives of the meeting, which include supporting public health advocacy, increasing awareness of HPV vaccine benefits, and ensuring consistency in public messaging.
She emphasized the need for parents and caregivers to be informed and willing to bring eligible girls aged 9–14 for vaccination.
Providing an update on vaccination efforts, Ogun State Immunization Officer, Dr. Surajudeen Olayinka — represented by Mr. Hakeem Olalekan Adebari — said the state has a target of 80,321 girls, which constitutes 1.32% of the population. As of April 2025, a total of 10,749 girls have received the vaccine.
Adebari broke down the monthly vaccination figures as follows: 359 in January, 4,711 in February, 3,318 in March, and 2,361 in April.
He added that nine local government areas (LGAs) reported vaccinations in April, while 11 LGAs had yet to submit any data.
“One major challenge we face is accessing schools, where most of our targets are. Parental consent remains a key requirement before administering the vaccine.
This is where the media plays a vital role — in informing parents and dispelling fears,” Adebari stated.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Waheed Elegbede, the State Health Educator, underscored the media’s critical role in addressing vaccine hesitancy through storytelling, community engagement, and sharing testimonials.
He explained that HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and can lead to cervical cancer, genital warts, and other related diseases. The vaccine, he stressed, is most effective when administered before individuals become sexually active.
“HPV doesn’t always show symptoms, yet it can have lifelong health consequences. We urge the media to educate the public on this and support uptake of the vaccine,” Elegbede said.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by FAHIO Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Olusola, who reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting community health through media collaboration.
The HPV vaccine was officially introduced into Nigeria’s immunization schedule in 2023 and is recommended for girls aged 9–14 to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
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