Edo Govt Joins Forces with Youth Advocates, EDSPHCDA to Scale Up HPV Vaccination Drive

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing public health awareness particularly among young people following a courtesy visit by a youth-led advocacy delegation championing the long-term delivery of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the state.

Speaking during the visit, Youth Advocate for the Edo Youth Project, Maclean Enuezor, emphasized the urgent need for sustained education and awareness to improve HPV vaccine uptake across Edo State. He noted that the initiative is designed to ensure long-term delivery through structured health education, with a strong focus on young people who are most at risk.

Enuezor, who led the advocacy effort, was accompanied by Irene Uabor, State Health Educator representing the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA). The delegation underscored the importance of collaborative engagement with key government institutions to strengthen public confidence and vaccine acceptance.

He further explained that the visit was aimed at fostering strategic partnerships to enhance community sensitization and address misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine. According to him, youth-driven advocacy remains critical in bridging information gaps at the grassroots level.

Also speaking, Irene Uabor highlighted the vital role of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV related diseases. She noted that the agency is intensifying efforts to promote immunization across the state, stressing the need for increased awareness among parents and caregivers to ensure that eligible children are vaccinated.

Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the delegation’s 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 cultural, spiritual, and traditional beliefs often contribute to reluctance. She stressed the need for consistent and targeted public education to dispel myths and encourage acceptance.

A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of a comprehensive policy and programmatic document aimed at strengthening the long-term delivery of HPV vaccination through health education in Edo State. The document outlines strategic approaches for sustainable implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and effective community engagement.

Hon. Abdallah formally pledged the Ministry’s commitment to join the advocacy campaign, signaling a deepened partnership between government and youth-led initiatives in promoting preventive healthcare.

The collaboration is expected to significantly boost awareness, increase vaccine uptake, and ultimately reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases across Edo State.