Parents in Ondo State have been called upon to actively participate in the fight against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by ensuring their children, especially girls, are vaccinated to protect them from the potentially deadly virus.
This appeal was made during the Media Advocacy Meeting on HPV Vaccines, jointly organized by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Ondo State Government in Akure, the state capital.
At the meeting, health experts emphasized the critical importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by untreated HPV infections.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, and when not detected and treated early, it can lead to serious health complications, including cervical cancer in women.
The media was also urged to strengthen their role in spreading awareness, using their platforms to educate the public about the dangers of HPV and the benefits of vaccination.
The aim is to ensure that citizens, particularly parents and caregivers, are well-informed about disease prevention and the importance of safeguarding children’s health.
The HPV vaccine, which is free for girls aged nine to fourteen, is available until December 2024. This initiative is seen as a key step in protecting the next generation from preventable diseases, and the media’s involvement is crucial in ensuring that every eligible child receives the vaccine.
Health experts and government representatives stressed that ensuring children’s access to vaccines is not just a health issue, but also a means of protecting their rights and helping them reach their full potential.