Kogi : NGO Holds Round Table For Journalists On HPV Vaccination

Driven by the need to address misconceptions on introduction of the Human Papilloma Virus, HPV vaccine, a Non Governmental Organization has held a round table for journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The objective is to enhance the knowledge of practising journalists to effectively sensitize citizens on the HPV, the vaccination, and the menace of cervical cancer.

In an overview, the Focal Person, a Social Behavioural Change Expert, John Snow Incorporated, Kannah Terri Ibrahim said cervical cancer has been attributed to HPV and that 70% of women in the country stand the risk of getting the cancer if not vaccinated.

Ibrahim noted that the round table precedes the 2nd phase of the campaign with Kogi among the 16 benefitting states.

In a presentation, a consultant with KSPHCDA, Doctor Mary Alexander said the HPV vaccination was targeted at girls between ages 9-14 as it was the safest preventive measure against cervical cancer which takes at least ten years to manifest.

Speaking on the role of the media in ensuring a successful campaign, a Media Development Strategist, Mary Okpodu urged the journalists to prioritize ethical reportage so as to mitigate HPV vaccine hesitancy and drive the vaccine uptake.

Also speaking, Technical Assistant, HPV vaccination project, Malam Muhammad Bala emphasized the need for effective media sensitization in Kogi state before kickstarting the vaccination in view of rumours and misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccination campaign, supported by John Snow Incorporated, JSI through the HPV Vaccine Accelerated Programme Partners Initiative, HAPPI, is to be flagged off in Kogi State on the 27th of May, 2024 across the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.

Ohikwo Muhammad, Edited By Grace Namiji