All posts by : Judith

Education and Research for Sustainable Development (ERSD) with the support of Direct Consulting and Logistics Nigeria, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Women Advocates for Vaccine Access, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and IVAC paid a Courtesy Visit to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency regarding sensitization and mobilization support during the HPV vaccination of eligible girls in the State.

With her were the State Immunization Officer, Director, Disease Control and other stakeholders. We were warmly welcomed and had a fruitful meeting. The process has been seamless and we look forward to an impactful vaccination drive.

Rural sensitization is the bed rock of public health drive. As part of our activities, we engage with community members as critical stakeholders in vaccination uptake.
As we commence other activities, it is important to work with community members using a Human Centered Design (HCD) to map out the tailored and targeted strategies to increase vaccination uptake among eligible girls.
Direct Consulting and Logistics Nigeria National Primary Health Care Development Agency Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Women Advocates for Vaccine Access

Earlier today, we were at Choice 97.1 FM to sensitize the general public on HPV, HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. We had a great turn around as listeners called in on the program.

We appreciate the Management of Choice 97.1 FM Nnewi for supporting the sensitization and mobilization drive in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State. The role of the media in the public health space cannot be overemphasized. Given their roles as critical stakeholders, we urge media houses in Nigeria to lend their voice to counter rumors, myths and misinformation regarding the Vaccine to ensure uptake.

We all have the responsibility to protect our future.

Spread the awareness, and not the rumors. HPV vaccine is safe, effective and free.
Direct Consulting and Logistics Nigeria National Primary Health Care Development Agency Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Women Advocates for Vaccine Access

We are thrilled to present a diverse cross-section of individuals who have stepped up to champion the importance of vaccination. From different backgrounds, professions, and walks of life, they all share one common goal: to promote health and safety through vaccination.
Join us in welcoming and celebrating these passionate advocates as they work tirelessly to spread awareness, combat misinformation, and encourage everyone to protect themselves and their communities. Together, we can make a difference and build a healthier future for all!
Direct Consulting and Logistics Nigeria National Primary Health Care Development Agency Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Women Advocates for Vaccine Access

The moment a religious leader stopped by to appreciate the selected vaccine champions. He likened their roles to evangelism where the goal is to save lives (souls). He urged them to put in their best as they go into their commuties to enlighten their people towards the HPV vaccine uptake.

Religious leaders are critical in this drive. Being influential with a high degree of deference from the people, it is essential to leverage their position to reach the people
We call on all religious leaders to support the sensitization and mobilization using their platforms and pulpits.
Direct Consulting and Logistics Nigeria National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Women Advocates for Vaccine Access

Our team was also part of the State team and Partners that paid an advocacy visit to the Ministry of Education in view of the HPV uptake. It was indeed a huge success.

We also had the opportunity to meet with the Officer-in-Charge of Nnewi North Education Authority, along with the Area Education Officer. Recognizing the significance of their positions within the educational system, they wholeheartedly pledged their full support from the Education Board at the Local Government level, which serves as the primary conduit to schools.
Their assurance bolsters our efforts in enhancing engagement, conducting sensitizations, mobilizing communities, and facilitating the uptake of the HPV Vaccine.

In furtherance of our campaign for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine sensitization, mobilization, and uptake, our team conducted an advocacy visit to the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area. The visit aimed to garner support, facilitate the smooth execution of our campaign activities within the community and ensure a coordinated effort towards the successful implementation of the HPV Vaccination among eligible girls.

Accompanied by key personnel including the Director of Primary Health Care, the Local Immunization Officer, the Social Mobilization Officer, and the Disease Surveillance Officer, our delegation was graciously received by the Executive Chairman. The meeting commenced with a formal introduction of our team and an overview of the objectives of our advocacy visit.

The Executive Chairman demonstrated a keen interest in our cause and attentively listened to our presentation. He acknowledged the significance of HPV awareness and its impact on public health within the local government area and the nation. Moreover, he assured us of his unwavering support and commitment to facilitating our campaign activities, ensuring seamless coordination, and maximizing outcomes.

This advocacy visit to the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area yielded positive outcomes, with an affirmation of support and collaboration towards our HPV sensitization and mobilization efforts. We look forward to leveraging this endorsement to further advance our mission and positively impact the health and well-being of the community.

Recognizing the critical need to increase HPV vaccination rates, we implemented a comprehensive strategy by training our Settlement Vaccine Champions to immerse themselves within their communities. Equipped with specialized knowledge and resources, these champions are tasked with spearheading initiatives to amplify awareness and understanding of the HPV vaccine.

Their roles encompass multifaceted engagement, including community, religious and school-based advocacy and outreaches, as well as facilitating one-on-one discussions with community members. By establishing a presence within the communities, they foster trust, address concerns, and debunk myths surrounding the vaccine.

The expected outcomes of this concerted effort are manifold. Firstly, we anticipate a significant increase in HPV vaccination uptake among the settlement population. Secondly, by fostering a culture of health literacy and proactive healthcare-seeking behaviors, we aim to reduce the prevalence of HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer. Ultimately, our goal is to create a lasting impact on public health outcomes by empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves against HPV infections.

More teams of Settlement Vaccine Champions will be trained to ensure spread across the different wards within the State.