Organized by Ong Jhpiego and Gavi alliance in collaboration with the coordination department for the expanded vaccination program (DC-PEV) and the department for the mutuality of social works in schools (Dmoss), this information workshop focused on the mechanisms and implementation of the fight against cervical cancer. It was intended to promote inclusion in the conversation and exploring all avenues for broader communication.
According to Dr Kiyali Ouattara, country director of Ong Jhpiego in Côte d’Ivoire, the objective is to encourage greater involvement of the educational community in HPV vaccination activities during the Covid-19 period, with a view to the acceptance of the vaccine. It also aims to present the burden of cervical cancer and the results of HPV vaccination for the year 2021. It was a question of raising awareness among the educational community to transmit essential, fair and credible information on vaccination against HPV during Covid-19. And finally contribute to strengthening coordination, through the identification of innovative strategies, facilitating the performance of vaccination sessions in schools.
As for Dr Yao Kosia deputy director of the pexpanded vaccination program in Côte d’Ivoire (PEV), she indicated that, despite several strategies undertaken by the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), in connection with coordination, promotion of HPV vaccination, service delivery, reports from January to October showed administrative vaccination coverage below the set goals. “HPV 1st dose estimated at 32% and HPV 2nd dose at 13% against the target of 70% set in the operational action plan (PAO) 2021”, she lamented.
Before, she urged parents and especially young girls to come and get vaccinated “We encourage parents to bring their 9-year-old daughters for the cervical cancer vaccine to protect them. In Côte d’Ivoire the vaccine has been available since 2019, it is free and intended for young girls from the age of 9. she prompted.
On this occasion Agnès Kraidy, journalist who is also president of the Foundation to act against cancer (Fac). She pleaded for the commitment of each other in the implementation of the objectives. Which to eradicate cancer of the cervix outside our borders, in particular through awareness and communication on the vaccination of girls against HPV in schools.
Dr M’fa Sanogo Deputy Director of Health Education at the Directorate of the mutuality of social works in schools (Dmoss), for its part greeted and congratulated the organizers for their foresight. “This initiative is welcome because informing and raising awareness about the cervical cancer vaccine is a necessity. We are reassured that the mortality and morbidity is high but it is not inevitable,” he rejoiced.
Coll: JB