Engaging Youth-led Organization or Youth Individual for Community Activities for the Phase 2 Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction in Nigeria

The Government of Nigeria, through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), successfully launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 16 phase 1 states in October 2023. The introduction saw a successful turnout. Nigeria met its target coverage rate in most states with strong multisectoral collaborations across relevant stakeholders such as Faith-based organizations, line ministries, education institutions, parents/guardians, community/traditional leaders, and other priority groups. The HPV vaccine offers significant value in the prevention of cervical cancer and related diseases.

HPV vaccination commenced a multi-age-cohort (MAC) campaign targeting girls aged 10-14 through school and community-based outreach and mobile strategies. After the successful introduction, the vaccine has been routinized and made available for adolescent girls who missed out during the campaign.

Lessons learned from the phase one introduction show the need to comprehensively engage and collaborate with key stakeholders at all levels and pre-sensitize communities to inoculate them against myths and misconceptions about the HPV vaccine.

The Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC), through its in-country implementing partners, Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL) and Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA), seeks to partner with a youth-led organization or youth individuals who belong to a wide community group or coalition, have a strong relationship with community members and experience in strengthen youth engagement in immunization and health system at community level. This youth will be willing to participate in two days of physical training, where they will be equipped with accurate information about the HPV vaccine, its benefits, and its safety profile. The training will help selected youths to identify potential roles and responsibilities in curbing rumors and myths around the HPV vaccine in the country. This training will also be the starting point to initiate regular coordination between the youths and RI program managers at the national and sub-national levels.

Selected youths will be engaged to recruit vaccine champions at the ward level and work with them to conduct vaccine mobilization activities in their communities.

Application Close Date: 27th February, 2024

For further inquiries, send an email to info@wavang.org