May 22, 2024, the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), in collaboration with Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Advocacy Team (Vaccine 
Champions), organized a town hall advocacy meeting on HPV vaccination in Adavi LGA, Kogi State. The objective of the meeting was to raise awareness and promote the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Adavi.
Key stakeholders attended the meeting, recognizing their essential role in the success of this initiative. Their expertise and knowledge are invaluable in devising effective strategies to increase awareness, dispel misconceptions, and enhance vaccination coverage within the local government.
The Chief of Staff, on behalf of Adavi Local Government Chairman, expressed gratitude to The International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), in collaboration with Women Advocate for Vaccine Access (WAVA), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for selecting Adavi Local Government Area for the HPVV advocacy and sensitization initiative. He highlighted that the Chairman, being health-oriented, is particularly grateful that this program is taking place during his tenure. Thus, he promised to give his maximum support to the team in ensuring a smooth immunization process. Other Stakeholders assured the IVAC team of a successful immunization process, stating that measures have been initiated to ensure vaccine uptake by the eligible populations. They assured the team of disseminating the information and ensuring full cooperation.
Amurawaiye Oluwatoyosi Amasoseka, who is the Master trainer representing International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), in collaboration with Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in champioring an impactful grassroots vaccine advocacy and sensitization on the uptake of HPV Vaccine in Adavi LGA and his team (Vaccine Champions), expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Adavi LGA team, Traditional rulers, Community leaders, Market women, NAPPMED team, Religious leaders, Teachers, Youths, and other stakeholders for gracing their big event on Wednesday, Noting that their invaluable support throughout the advocacy and sensitization process went a long way. The Master trainer also extended his appreciation to the Commissioner for Health, Kogi State Technical Working Group, for their support.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria, with about 12,000 women diagnosed yearly and 8,000 deaths recorded annually. We cannot continue like this. That’s why the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), in collaboration with Women Advocate for Vaccine Access (WAVA), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) through a GAVI grant, deployed Vaccine Champions to the field to conduct grassroot sensitization, leveraging existing relationships and advocating through stakeholders, who serve as the gatekeepers of any community. Parents should ensure their girls aged 9-14 gets vaccinated, come May 27, 2024.
VACCINE GOOD OOO!
Thank you all, and may God bless you.