Empowering Futures: WBFA Supports HPV Vaccination Campaign to Protect Young Girls in Kwara State

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s commitment to improved health outcomes is underscored by our recent participation in the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination for young girls in Kwara state, a project led by the Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA).

According to the United Nations cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged 15 to 44 years in Nigeria. In 2020 alone, the country recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.

Throughout this week, our Kwara office actively ensured efficient oversight of the HPV Vaccination campaign in Ilorin West and Ilorin South Local Government Areas. As part of the supervisory committee, the campaign in Ilorin East Local Government Area (Ibagun Ward) was carried out at Okelele Primary Healthcare Centre and Government Day Secondary School, Amule. The team was divided into various groups to facilitate a seamless vaccination process.

Our WBFA supervisors, Damilola and Adenike, provided strong support by encouraging mothers to bring their daughters for vaccination and addressing various misconceptions about the HPV vaccine, including the belief that it is a population control measure. Their efforts were crucial in increasing community participation and trust in the vaccination process.

The team was well-equipped with an AEFI (Adverse Event Following Immunization) kit and received comprehensive training to handle any potential emergencies, including classifying adverse effects as mild or serious.

Mrs. Eletu Aduke (recorder) and Mrs. Jabata Kudirat (vaccinator) conducted a successful vaccination drive at the healthcare centre and surrounding areas. They registered and issued vaccination cards before administering the HPV vaccine. Following vaccination, the girls were monitored for 15 minutes to watch for any adverse effects, ensuring their immediate safety.

Overall, the team’s efforts contributed to a successful HPV vaccination campaign, protecting 779 young girls from cervical cancer and promoting public health in the community.

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