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 Edo 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 the uptake of the HPV vaccine across the state.
He noted 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). 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.
In her response, 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.
The high point of the visit was the presentation of a comprehensive policy and programmatic 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
Edo Govt Partners Youth Advocate, EDSPHCDA to Boost HPV Vaccine Uptake
