The IMPROVE-HPV Project team from the University of Ibadan, led by Professor Imran Morhason-Bello, has commenced a two-day visit to Jigawa State, aimed at advancing research on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine effectiveness and hesitancy among children in selected local government areas.
The team held a stakeholders’ advocacy and engagement meeting in Dutse, marking the first day of the visit.
The session provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning to ensure the successful implementation of HPV prevention initiatives in the state.
The HPV Consortium of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, focuses on HPV prevention, vaccine effectiveness, and public health interventions to reduce HPV-related diseases in Nigeria.
The Jigawa visit forms part of the consortium’s efforts to strengthen community engagement and address barriers to vaccine uptake.
Key participants at the meeting included: Executive Secretary Dr. Shehu Sambo; PHC Director Alhaji Hassan Shuaibu Kwalam; Director of Planning (SMOH) Dr. Yusuf Saleh; Director of Women Affairs Dr. Aisha Abubakar; Deputy PHC Director Alhaji Muhammad Abdullahi Bulangu; State Health Promotion Officer Alhaji Sani Yusuf Kachi; State Cold Chain Officer Alhaji Yusuf Inuwa.
Others are the Adolescent Health Desk Officer Hajiya Maimuna Sulaiman; Family Planning Focal Person Hajiya Rabi Ahmad Muhammad; and representatives of traditional and religious institutions, including Alhaji Tijjani Usman Nagado (Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta) and Sheikh Aminu Baba Waziri.
Development partners and civil society organisations present included NPHCDA, WHO, AFENET, UNICEF, NI-ABAE, Solina, JSI, and Chigari Foundation.
The event featured group discussions and presentations, fostering active participation and collaborative planning to strengthen HPV prevention and control in Jigawa State. According to the project team, such advocacy and stakeholder engagement activities are critical for ensuring that research interventions are culturally sensitive, widely accepted, and effectively implemented.