By Funmilayo Falae
Journalists have been advised to use their various platforms to debunk myths surrounding the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and to also intensify awareness of the importance of the vaccine in the prevention of cervical cancer.
The Social and behavioural change specialist for Unicef, Mrs Aderonke Akinola Akinwole made this call during a one-day Advocacy dialogue on HPV vaccine introduction organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation with support from UNICEF for the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Southwest B Zone.
Mrs Akinwole stressed the need for journalists to help sensitize the public, especially women and girls on the importance of the vaccines and not to believe myths being circulated as they are unfounded.
It was discovered that the turnout of parents to get their female children between the ages of nine and fourteen vaccinated in the first phase of the vaccine introduction in the three southwest states was not good enough.
Also speaking at the meeting, Oyo state Immunisation Officer, Adeoye Buzrat who was represented by Mrs Tanimola Janet gave an overview of the first phase of vaccination as sixteen states had benefited including Lagos, Osun and Ogun in the southwest zone while the second phase is set to commence in May 2024 in the other twenty-one states including Ekiti, Oyo and Ondo.
In her goodwill message, the NAWOJ Vice President, B zone, Comrade Adeola Adekunle appreciated the Oyo state government and UNICEF for the timely training, assuring them of more collaboration.
Comrade Adeola also advised women journalists to take the dialogue seriously so they can have precise and concise reports.
The Health Educator, Oyo State Primary Health Care Development Board, Mr Samuel Olarinde also educated journalists on how deadly the human papillomavirus is, as cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Nigeria and its mode of transmission is primarily through sexual intercourse,
Mr Olarinde further explained that the HPV vaccine is a preventive vaccine available for girls between the ages of nine and fourteen because it is believed that at this age, the girl child has not been exposed to sexual activities and this vaccine will prevent the transmission of the virus when the girls eventually become exposed to sexual activities.
He however appealed to women above the age of 35 to visit the hospital regularly for proper screening for HPV to get immediate medical attention in case of any abnormal growth.
The Unicef communication Officer, Mrs Blessing Ejiofor who is also a former journalist tasked women journalists to capture women and girls living with disability in their reportage because the HPV vaccination is for every girl between the ages of nine and fourteen years.
