By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners, has commenced a five-day Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) Week across the 193 wards in all 16 local government areas of the state, with a central focus on administering the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer.
The statewide health campaign, which began simultaneously across the LGAs, is aimed at improving the well-being of mothers, newborns, and children by providing essential health services such as immunisations, nutritional support, family planning, and health education.
The official flag-off ceremony was held at the Moro Local Government Headquarters in Bode Saadu, where the Chairperson of the council, Hajia Mariam Omotayo AbdulWasiu, represented by her husband, Alhaji AbdulWasiu Usman Bolaji, administered the first dose of the HPV vaccine to eligible girls.
She called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to mobilise parents and caregivers to ensure wide participation, stressing the importance of the programme in protecting the health of the next generation.
“We deeply appreciate the support of the Kwara State Government, the First Lady, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, and our development partners like UNICEF, for their consistent investment in the health of women and children,” she said.
Also speaking, Hajia Ramat Yusuf, the Director of Nursing Services in Moro LGA, highlighted that a school-based vaccination campaign is running concurrently to reach in-school girls in the target age bracket.
“In addition to the HPV vaccine, we are implementing the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs), during which children will receive vaccines against deadly diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus,” she stated.
She further noted that health services are being delivered at primary healthcare centres and through mobile outreach teams to reach underserved communities.
“Our goal is to ensure every mother, child, and young girl receives the care, protection, and dignity they deserve,” she added.
UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Officer and Health Consultant in Kwara, Dr Usman Muhammed Danlami, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine.
“We are targeting girls aged 9 to 14 because this is the most effective age for HPV vaccination. The vaccine is safe, effective, and completely free,” Dr Danlami said.
Representing the Daudu of Bode Saadu, the Magaji of Lakala, Mallam Ahmed Hamza, assured that traditional rulers under the Forum of Magajis and Alanguas are actively engaged in community mobilisation to ensure success.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Serah Adekunle, Director of Nursing Services, sensitised mothers on the importance of completing the full vaccination schedule for their children and practicing child spacing to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
“This is not just a health programme—it is an investment in the future of our children and the development of our communities,” she stated.
