UNICEF, stakeholders rally to improve HPV vaccination among girls in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

As efforts continue to protect young girls from cervical cancer through the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, stakeholders have stressed the importance of stronger community engagement to address the low uptake recorded among 9-year-old girls in Osun State.

This was discussed during a two-day programme on Adolescent and Youth-led Action on HPV Vaccine and Adolescent Health Promotion, organized by UNICEF in Osogbo.

The event brought together government officials, adolescent health advocates, and youth leaders to strategize on how to improve vaccine awareness and acceptance across the state.

UNICEF’s Social and Behavioral Change Specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, noted that the success of the vaccination campaign depends heavily on the collaboration of parents, caregivers, and community members to ensure every 9-year-old girl receives the HPV vaccine—not just for today, but to protect her future.

She acknowledged that challenges such as misinformation, forgetfulness, and unfamiliarity with adolescent immunization contribute to the low turnout. However, she added that increased engagement and targeted awareness campaigns can change public perception.

The Osun State Immunization Officer, Mrs. Francisca Adebola Olaore, appealed to parents and caregivers to support the initiative, especially by granting consent for school-based vaccinations, noting that many girls miss the opportunity because they cannot advocate for themselves.

Also speaking, UNICEF’s Gender and Development Manager, Takudzwa Kanyangarara, emphasized the power of youth involvement. He noted that a UNICEF-led youth initiative, in partnership with the Canadian government, has empowered five young leaders in Osun to develop a plan to ensure every 9-year-old girl in the state receives the vaccine.

Earlier, Ngozi Nwora Sangu, UNICEF Nigeria’s Adolescent Development Specialist, said, “We are here in Osun today because the HPV vaccine uptake among 9-year-old girls remains low in some LGAs. This meeting is to re-sensitize stakeholders and ensure the momentum doesn’t drop.”