Event Details

On Friday, November 22, 2024, the Health For All Coalition Sierra Leone, with funding from GAVI through the Ministry of Health and the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), supported the Moyamba HPV and other routine vaccines Technical Working Group (TWG) in holding their monthly meeting aimed at optimizing vaccine uptake in the district.
The meeting was held at the District Health Management Team (DHMT) hall in Moyamba and brought together local and traditional authorities, representatives from youth coalitions, the Ministry of Education, women's groups, and other healthcare professionals in the district.
The objective of the meeting was to collaborate with local and community actors, partners, and various ministries to provide support for the national HPV and routine vaccines TWG. This collaboration is intended to facilitate informed decision-making aimed at increasing the utilization of HPV immunization services.
On behalf of the District Medical Officer (DMO), District Health Sister 1, Md. Cicilia J. Sorie, welcomed all attendees, emphasizing that the meeting focused on addressing HPV and other vaccine-related activities.
She highlighted that this meeting is part of an ongoing effort to discuss challenges encountered in vaccination and immunization activities, and to develop possible solutions to these issues.
Md. Cicilia commended the contributions of traditional leaders to the HPV-MAC campaign and other routine vaccination initiatives, describing the relationship between traditional authorities and the DHMT as cordial and satisfactory.
The DHS-1 concluded by stating that HPV and other routine vaccinations are ongoing in Moyamba district, both in schools and through outreach services.
Chief Johanes Brima, the paramount chief representative, expressed gratitude to the DHMT for recognizing the vital role of traditional authorities in health-related matters beyond just HPV in the district.
He pointed out that some individuals are still bypassing vaccination exercises despite the relentless efforts of health practitioners and partners.
He assured the DHMT and TWG members that district and chiefdom authorities would continue to work with the medical team, strengthen their collaboration, and develop bylaws in their communities to optimize the uptake of the HPV vaccine and other routine vaccinations.
Umaru Lawundeh, the District Outreach Officer (DOO1) in Moyamba, emphasized the importance of the HPV vaccine for young girls and women, as it helps prevent cervical cancer.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in the fight against cervical cancer but praised the efforts of GAVI, the Ministry of Health, and the EPI for making the HPV vaccine available.
Umaru stressed the significance of women's empowerment and the role they play in society, stating that their health should be a collective priority to protect them from cervical cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
He noted that in October 2022, the Ministry of Health and EPI introduced the HPV vaccine in the country to prevent cervical cancer in young girls aged ten.
However, the pilot phase according to him encountered numerous challenges, including misconceptions, misinformation, and cultural norms, resulting in a low immunization coverage of just 20%.
He added that after engaging with traditional leaders, women's groups, youth groups, partners, and other stakeholders, the Moyamba DHMT has managed to vaccinate 5,453 girls from January to October 2024, achieving 51.1% immunization coverage for the HPV vaccine, with a target of reaching 10,692 young girls in schools and out of school for the year.
Umaru called upon local authorities, parents, civil society organizations, and everyone present to assist the Moyamba DHMT in achieving their set target.
William Boima, representing the Health For All Coalition Sierra Leone, informed the Moyamba district TWG that HFAC is a civil society health advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring the availability, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services for all Sierra Leoneans.
He commended the efforts of the Moyamba DHMT and the district TWG in optimizing vaccination uptake and emphasized the potential for greater achievements through collaboration.
William further explained that HFAC, through the Ministry of Health and EPI, has secured funding from GAVI to implement the HPV Multi-Age Cohort and product switch campaign, aiming to raise awareness about the availability and safety of the HPV vaccine for young girls aged 9-14.
He reiterated that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer, affecting the wellbeing of sexually active young girls and women, and emphasized that HPV treatment is free for those aged 9-14.
William concluded by encouraging everyone present to continue working together to improve healthcare services in the district, stating, “When spiders unite their webs, they can tie up a lion.”
Other speakers included representatives from the Ministry of Education, youth groups, and more.