In a concerted effort to prioritise the health and well-being of young girls, Lagos education district II, in collaboration with the state health district II, has organised a comprehensive sensitisation campaign regarding the significance of vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
The campaign, which took place at the Immaculate Heart Comprehensive High School’s Hall in Maryland, aimed to engage and educate various stakeholders in the district.
Anike Adekanye, the tutor general/permanent secretary of education district II, emphasised the importance of educating stakeholders, particularly parents, teachers, and students, about the forthcoming statewide vaccination initiative.
This initiative, a partnership between the federal government and the Lagos State government, is designed to provide HPV vaccination to girls aged between 9 and 14 years old.
Adekanye commended Adedayo Lajide, the permanent secretary of health district II, and her team for their unwavering dedication in coordinating the awareness programme within the district, with a primary focus on students.
She urged all stakeholders to actively support the vaccination campaign, ensuring its success in safeguarding the future of young girls and the overall health of the community.
Adekanye stressed the need for all eligible girls in the district to receive the HPV vaccine for their protection.
Adedayo Olajide, the permanent secretary of gealth district II, highlighted the vaccine’s potential to prevent a range of devastating diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which remains a significant health concern.
She underscored the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure against HPV-related diseases and reassured stakeholders, including students and parents, about the vaccine’s safety.
Lajide provided a comprehensive overview of HPV and its role in causing various diseases, including cervical cancer.
Her message echoed the overarching theme that prevention is indeed better than cure.
This joint effort between the education and health districts represents a proactive approach to public health, emphasising the protection and well-being of the girl-child in Lagos State.
The campaign’s resounding message is clear: through vaccination against HPV, young girls can be safeguarded from potentially life-threatening diseases, and their future health can be secured.
Stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and the broader community, are encouraged to actively participate and support this vital initiative to ensure the well-being of the next generation.
