Oya Campaign Boosts HPV Vaccine Uptake in Nigeria

The Oya campaign, initiated by Boladal Akin Kolapo, the Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, has successfully boosted HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent girls across five Nigerian states: Kaduna, Delta, Ekiti, Ondo, and Oyo. Speaking at a dissemination meeting in Abuja, Kolapo highlighted the campaign's role in increasing awareness and demand for the HPV vaccine, which is crucial for preventing cervical cancer.

The project, supported by Gavi Vaccine Alliance, has reached approximately 4.1 million people through digital platforms and around 18 million through radio programs. Additionally, 7,800 school community engagement sessions were conducted, training hundreds of teachers and healthcare workers.

The campaign has empowered 32,000 parents and caregivers with accurate information about HPV vaccination. As of 2023, Nigeria's introduction of the HPV vaccine into its national immunization program marks a significant achievement, with 16 million girls vaccinated against HPV.

Sustaining high vaccine uptake requires public trust and community engagement.