The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), through its Demand Generation for Immunization Project (DGIP), has collaborated with the Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) to successfully roll out the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign across schools and communities at North Kolobangara Island in Western Province.
HPV is a common virus that can affect various parts of the body. There are more than 100 types of HPV, some of which can cause warts on the hands, feet, and face, while others can lead to more serious health conditions such as cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccination campaign was conducted from July 23 to 6 August, targeting girls aged 9 to 14 in several communities and schools, including Poitete, Mamaloku, Ropa, Mulmaeni, Tuki, Vanga, Reihite, Mt. Soika Primary School, Patupaele High School, and Lodumoe.
The rollout was led by HPV Team from the WPHA, including nurses working in some clinics at North Kolombangara with support from ADRA DGIP Project Officer, Mr. Patteson Seama who is a registered nurse by profession.
Mr. Seama expressed appreciation to the WPHA HPV Team for including ADRA in the campaign.
“The rollout of immunization in the schools and communities was a success and achievable”
“I would like to thank the HPV Team in Western Province for inviting ADRA to support this vaccine roll out campaign,” said Mr. Seama.
Mr Seama also highlighted that although the DGIP project had previously reached these sites, the revisit with the HPV team was vital for ensuring girls received this life-saving vaccine.
“These sites were already covered under our project with communities and schools here in North Kolobangara”
“But it’s good to return with the HPV team to carry out vaccination specifically for girls. It was a huge success,” Mr. Seama added.
Currently, ADRA, through the DGIP project, is implementing immunization activities on South Vella La Vella and Kolombangara Islands. The project was funded by UNICEF that aims to strengthen coordination and build capacity for healthcare workers in immunization and community engagement. It also focuses on mobilizing schools, rural health units, and religious leaders to advocate for immunization, while expanding outreach programs to deliver essential health services to remote and underserved communities.
– ADRA
