GAVI Representative Engages CSOs, Youths, and Medical Women Association on HPV Vaccine Rollout in Nigeria

Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) in partnership with Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), recently hosted Anamaria Bejar, Director of Public Policy Engagement at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), alongside representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), youth leaders, and members of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN). The meeting aimed to assess the milestones achieved through the GAVI-funded project, CSO and Youth Activation for HPV Vaccine Introduction in Nigeria (CAYAHVIN). It served as a platform for the GAVI representative to interact with the CSOs, youths, and MWAN who conducted demand generation activities during the HPV vaccine introduction in Nigeria.
The gathering spotlighted efforts to protect vulnerable groups, particularly adolescent girls, against cervical cancer, a major public health challenge in Nigeria. A key topic of discussion was the pivotal role that the CSOs, youths, and MWANs played in broadening HPV advocacy, using their platforms to reach more women and girls. Through GAVI’s support, CSOs and youth advocates raised awareness, identified vaccine champions, and spearheaded activities that amplify the importance of HPV vaccination at the grassroots level. The meeting highlighted CSOs as essential stakeholders in state and community discussions, raising their voices in HPV advocacy and collaborating closely with local and state governments.

The CSOs and youths’ representatives applauded the catalytic impact of the initiative, which successfully introduced them into the immunization space, transforming their focus toward vaccination programs. Additionally, the campaign fostered the active engagement of young people, empowering them as champions and advocates for their health and well-being.
GAVI expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by all involved on the project and commended the effectiveness of human-centered design (HCD) approaches in tailoring youth-led sensitization efforts. An impressive 34 CSOs and 17 youths were trained and engaged in this project. These CSOs and youths cascaded the training to 1700 and 153 vaccine champions, respectively, at both the ward and settlement levels, resulting in a surge of online sensitization posts and in-person outreach initiatives.

A major highlight of the meeting was a visit to the Malaysia Garden IDP Camp in Abuja, where a diaspora youth, Bella, who was inspired by this project, led a campaign to provide HPV vaccine access to internally displaced adolescents, encouraging parents to support their daughters’ health and future. During her interaction with the adolescents, the GAVI Director of Public Policy Engagement emphasized the importance of resilience and staying focused on their education. She highlighted that education plays a crucial role in empowering them to make informed decisions about their health in the future.
Anamaria Bejar commended DCL, WAVA CSOs, Youths, MWAN, and all stakeholders for their dedication, reaffirming GAVI’s shared commitment to strengthening public health and protecting more adolescents globally.