Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Ondo State Government has launched the Oya Campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination and adolescent nutrition across the state.
Speaking at the official launch in Akure on Thursday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Prof Simi Odimayo, emphasized the campaign’s urgency in preventing cervical cancer through widespread HPV vaccination.
“Since the launch on May 27, 2024, we have made remarkable progress, achieving a 94 percent coverage rate, with 321,008 girls aged nine to 14 years successfully vaccinated,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the collaboration between government agencies, health workers, development partners, and parents for the success recorded so far.
However, he stressed that the job was not yet done. “The launch of the Oya Campaign marks a new phase in our efforts to not only sustain but also enhance the gains we have made,” he said.
“The word ‘Oya’ signifies urgency and action… Let us work together to ensure that every eligible girl receives the HPV vaccine and is educated on the importance of good nutrition.”
The Country Director of Girl Effect, Dr Boladale Akin-Kolapo, noted that the campaign is supported by Gavi and the Vaccine Alliance, and implemented in collaboration with the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
“When a girl is healthy, informed, and confident in her voice and choices, she becomes a powerful force,” she said. “The word ‘Oya’ is not just a name, it is a call to action—a call to our girls to rise up and protect their futures.”
