Kaduna: “Girl Effect” Launches “Oya Campaign” to Boost HPV Vaccination, Adolescent Nutrition
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Girl Effect has officially launched the Oya Campaign in Kaduna State, a bold and timely initiative designed to increase awareness, demand, and uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine while promoting adolescent nutrition and well-being of girls.
The campaign, implemented in partnership with the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Board and supported by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to protect adolescent girls from preventable diseases and malnutrition.
With the theme “Protecting Our Girls Against Cervical Cancer Through HPV Vaccination – The Time is Now!”, the campaign targets girls aged 9 to 14 across Kaduna State, one of five states participating in Girl Effect’s broader project to accelerate access to health services for adolescent girls and young women while tackling harmful gender norms.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa-Balarabe, the State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Mr. Salisu Rabi, emphasized the urgent need for action to protect young girls.
She described a heartbreaking reality where girls full of promise are lost to preventable diseases like cervical cancer simply because they were not vaccinated.
Dr. Hadiza called on all stakeholders; healthcare workers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, teachers, and civil society organizations to rise in unity and protect the girl child, declaring that when we protect a girl, we protect a generation.
The Deputy Governor noted that Kaduna State, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, had already made significant progress since introducing the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization program in May 2024. By April 2025, over 7,500 girls had been vaccinated.
However, he urged continued momentum, saying, “We must not rest. We will not rest.”
She expressed deep gratitude to Girl Effect and all partners involved in the campaign and accepted the Girl Effect HPV Vaccination Vanguard Award on her, pledging to remain a voice for every girl in the state.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Health, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Sadiq, while welcoming the attendees, highlighted the devastating impact of cervical cancer in Nigeria.
She noted that Nigeria accounts for 94 percent of cervical cancer cases and deaths in low- and middle-income countries. In Northern Nigeria, including Kaduna, cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women after breast cancer.
She stressed that HPV-related cervical cancer is highly preventable with timely vaccination, screening, and treatment, calling it one of the most preventable cancers globally.
The Permanent Secretary stated that Kaduna has led the way nationally in HPV vaccine rollout and was among the first states to launch the campaign across all Local Government Areas. As a result of strategic mobilization and community engagement, Kaduna achieved over 90 percent vaccination coverage for the targeted age group.
She announced that the state had been recognized on the global stage at the Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum in Bali, Indonesia, and revealed ongoing discussions with Rose Pharmaceuticals to expand access and improve service integration.
In her heartfelt remarks, Boladale Akin-Kolapo, Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, praised Kaduna’s leadership and described her personal connection to the state, where she once served with the Federal Road Safety Corps in Barnawa.
She said returning to Kaduna not in scrubs but still in service to health and girls’ development felt like coming full circle. Akin-Kolapo emphasized that Girl Effect, through media, technology, and grassroots partnerships, is committed to empowering girls to make informed choices about their health, education, and futures.
She announced that Girl Effect is expanding the campaign to five additional low-performing LGAs beyond the current coverage in Kauru and Chikun. She celebrated the milestone of over 700,000 girls vaccinated in Kaduna State, attributing this success to collective action by healthcare workers, community leaders, and government partners. She gave special recognition to Alhaji Umar Sufian, District Head of Papengwa, who led by example by vaccinating his daughters, saying his action sent a powerful message that girls’ health matters.
Akin-Kolapo stressed the importance of sustainability as global donor funding declines. She posed a vital question to attendees: “What will you do to protect the lives of girls in Nigeria?” She called for continued collaboration and collective responsibility to ensure no girl is left behind.
Professor Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Board, also addressed the gathering, assuring attendees that the board remains fully committed to integrating adolescent health into the state’s primary healthcare agenda.
He commended the program team for designing an initiative that is adolescent-centered, data-driven, and culturally responsive. He reaffirmed that the well-being of every child remains a core value for the board and thanked partners for their contributions.
The Girl Effect Oya Campaign represents a transformative movement that goes beyond health but about shaping a future where every girl in Kaduna State can thrive.
From tackling misinformation about HPV vaccines to integrating nutrition messaging, the campaign is a rallying cry for unity, urgency, and sustained commitment. As echoed by all speakers, the time to act is now because when girls are protected, the future is secure.
