By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday, held a media advocacy meeting with journalists in the State on Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), vaccines, NPSIA, and routine immunisation.

The advocacy meeting held in Igbara-Oke in Ifedore local government area of the State had in attendance various journalists and media executives from both print and electronic media.

In his remarks, the State commissioner for Information and Orientation, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu noted that it is a known fact that the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection globally with millions of new cases each year. This infection, if not carefully handled can lead to serious health conditions, including cervical and other cancers. Despite these risks, HPV remains a preventable disease with effective vaccination and early detection through regular screening.

The Information Commisoner who was represented by the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olanrewaju Akarakiri, affirmed that the present administration in the state is leaving no stone unturned in the fight against any form of disease that poses a threat to the health of the people.

He urged participants, particularly the media, to join the state government in combating the deadly virus by providing accurate information and raising awareness about the dangers of HPV, especially among the grassroots population.

“We have to save lives. We are soliciting the support of the media to join us in this vital effort. The media is empowered to shape public perception, influence policy, and drive action through accurate and consistent messaging, which will help dispel myths, combat misinformation, and ensure that every family and individual is well informed about disease prevention and the importance of vaccination.

“Immunisation of our children against killer diseases is also very important. As relevant stakeholders, we must strengthen our efforts towards achieving the desired result,” he added.

Director Orientation and Mobilization, Ministry of Information, Ondo State, Mr Tony Adetoye, in his address appreciated UNICEF for their efforts in ensuring that Ondo State benefits from their programmes. He urged the participants to ensure that the knowledge that they gained at the meeting is passed to those who need to know.

UNICEF SBC specialist, Mrs Aderonke Akinola appreciated the good work the media is doing in passing consistent and correcting messages.

Highlighting the roles of the media in debunking and demystifying myths and misconceptions about vaccines, Akinola opined that the media should provide correct, consistent and continuous information on the scourge of cervical cancers and the effectiveness of HPV vaccines, provide platforms for technical experts to contribute to the conversations around promoted behaviors, among others.

Also, UNICEF SBC consultant, Mrs Mary Rufus noted that in order to overcome barriers to the uptake of vaccines, there must be Community engagement and awareness, campaign to improve health literacy, addressing cultural concerns through collaboration with community leaders, building trust in the health care system.

Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Victor Adefesoye, declared that the state consistently ranks first among the participating states in the southwest, including Edo.

He emphasised that vaccines are the most cost-effective and easiest way to prevent all prevailing diseases, adding that there is no risk of overdose with any vaccine during immunisation.

Ondo State Immunisation Officer, Mrs Florence Fadiji, stated that girls between age nine to fourteen years have until December 2024 to receive the HPV vaccine, available free of charge at all health facilities in Ondo State.