Ogun State Government has commenced a large-scale campaign and community outreach across Lukosi, Ogijo, and Simawa communities in Sagamu Local Government Area, as part of efforts to improve coverage of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination
The flag-off ceremony, organized by the Family Health Initiative Ogun (FAHIO) in collaboration with Pathfinder International and the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB), coincided with the 2025 World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.
The event drew health workers, community and religious leaders, HPV champions, heads of markets, and female learners of age nine, among others.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairperson of FAHIO, Mrs. Oluwakemi Balogun, reaffirmed the commitment of the government and partner organizations to eliminating cervical cancer, noting that efforts would be intensified to reach more eligible girls.
She commended key stakeholders for their dedication to achieving the national target of cervical cancer elimination, revealing that similar outreach would be held in Ogun Waterside and Yewa North Local Governments soon.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of Pathfinder International, Mr. Emah Udeme, emphasized the importance of sustained sensitization on HPV vaccination uptake, stressing that active participation of parents, community, and religious institutions is crucial in ending the disease.
While dwelling on the theme for the celebration, " Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer", Udeme assured that his agency would not rest on its oars in providing necessary logistics for the State to thrive.
In their goodwill messages, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA),
Dr. Folarin Solape, and representative of the Executive Secretary, PHCDB, Dr. Israel Orire, urged the public to support government efforts by encouraging the vaccination of teenage girls to guard against cervical cancer.
On his part, the President General, Grand Union of Private Schools Association (GUPSA) Ogun State chapter, Ustadh Abdulazeez Ajibola, applauded the state government, development partners, and FAHIO for their efforts in combating cervical cancer, pledging the association's continued support.
In his presentation on "Understanding HPV and Preventing Cervical Cancer," a representative of the Immunization Unit in the Board, Mr. Olalekan Adebari described HPV vaccine as a proven and essential preventive avenue to halt cervical cancer, assuring that it is safe, effective, and free.
Eligible pupils from various schools were vaccinated during the follow-up campaign held at Ogijo, Simawa, and other designated health posts across Sagamu LGA.
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