Stakeholders Rally to Improve HPV Vaccine Uptake in Nwangele LGA, Imo State

In a coordinated effort to strengthen awareness and uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Imo Youth Advocates, under the Youth Initiative for Enhancing Long-Term Delivery of HPV Vaccination (YIELD-HPVV) Project, in partnership with the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, convened a town hall meeting at the Nwangele Local Government Council Headquarters on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

The engagement, supported by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) and Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), brought together over 30 stakeholders, including the Chairman of Nwangele LGA, Hon. Paul Duru, ably represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Daniel Mkpadobi, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Ubasinachi Desmond, alongside traditional rulers, religious leaders, education authorities, health officials, and community representatives.

The session featured a presentation of the state’s HPV vaccination policy brief, highlighting the burden of cervical cancer and the critical role of early vaccination for girls aged nine (9). Participants engaged in practical discussions on addressing low vaccine uptake, tackling misinformation, and strengthening community-driven approaches to improve access and acceptance of the vaccine.

Speaking during the meeting, the Youth Advocates, Dr. Bestdone Gilbert, Executive Director of Healglobal, and Blessing Ihekweme, emphasized that while Nigeria has recorded significant progress in HPV vaccine introduction, sustaining routine immunization requires stronger systems, consistent financing, and deliberate strategies to reach adolescent girls, a group not traditionally covered by routine immunization services.

They noted that Nwangele LGA was identified as a priority area due to gaps in awareness and uptake, stressing the need for grassroots engagement to drive behavioral change. The advocates called on community leaders to champion accurate information and encourage parents to vaccinate their daughters at designated public health facilities, where the vaccine is provided free of charge.

A major highlight of the meeting was the strong commitment demonstrated by stakeholders. A total of 33 participants signed commitment cards, pledging to support HPV vaccination efforts across their respective communities. Key resolutions included intensified community sensitization, improved inter-sectoral coordination, and sustained follow-up mechanisms to track progress and ensure no eligible girl is left behind.

In his remarks, the Vice Chairman reaffirmed the Local Government’s firm commitment to advancing HPV vaccination as a critical public health priority in Nwangele. He assured that the Council will actively support community sensitization efforts, strengthen collaboration with health and education stakeholders, and mobilize local structures to ensure that every eligible girl is reached. He emphasized that protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer is a shared responsibility, and pledged the Council’s continued leadership in driving sustained awareness, uptake, and accountability for HPV vaccination across the LGA.

The meeting marks a significant step toward strengthening community ownership and advancing the fight against cervical cancer in Imo State, with stakeholders united in their resolve to protect the health and future of young girls.