Girls in Nigeria’s Edo state were invited to take part in an essay-writing competition looking into the HPV vaccine. This week, VaccinesWork got to meet two of the winners.
- 11 October 2024
- by Gavi Staff
On 27 May this year, when Edo state in southern Nigeria kicked off its introductory human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine drive – part of a phased nationwide roll-out that is expected to result in the protection from cervical cancer of more than 16 million girls by 2025 – state First Lady Betsy Obaseki named six schoolgirls the winners of a special essay competition.
The contest, named after the First Lady and promoted under the tagline, “Empowering young minds!”, invited the very girls who would be eligible for the jab to inform themselves – and more than that, to bring academic rigour to the often-muddied informational waters that swirl around decisions concerning the female body.
“Despite a long day filled with marching and ceremonies, the positive energy and resilience of the girls who participated in the HPV essay competition was undeniable,” said Fubara Grace Erekosima, HPV Program Country Lead at Sydani Group, who watched the girls collect their awards from the First Lady in May.
“Standing next to the First Lady watching them step onto the stage, cheered on by their peers, was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from a supportive female community. These girls, supported by their peers and celebrated by their leaders, represent the future of female leadership and decision-making in Nigeria.”
The prompt:
Junior category (ages 9–11): “There’s a powerful shield against cervical cancer: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Write an essay stating how vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 can be the key to preventing this serious illness in Edo State.”
Senior category (12–14): “Cervical cancer is a serious health issue affecting women around the world. However, there are essential ways to reduce its impact. Write an essay showing how the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, cervical screening and early treatment play crucial roles in preventing cervical cancer.”
The essay should be between 500 and 1500 words, original, and submitted before 18th of May 2024.
Earlier this week, online, VaccinesWork met two of the three winners in the senior category: Rosabel Famous-Okundamiya, of Discovery School Benin Technical, and Glory Osarumwense Ibhade, of Green Park Academy Montessori in Benin City.
Glory, aged 14
Before her teacher encouraged her to join the essay contest, Glory said she only knew “short notes” about HPV, gleaned from her older sister.
She went online to do her research, and produced, eventually, a footnote-dense, circumspect, 2,270-word paper. Unintimidated by complex data, the essay reads as if it intends to inform concrete action, even including a recommendations section partly written in the imperative.
It comes as no surprise at all to learn that Glory plans to become a doctor. More specifically, she dreams of being “a medical doctor and philanthropist.”
Excerpts from Glory’s essay
“…Immunogenicity and efficacy of available vaccines in the clinical trials.
All three available vaccines (bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent) are administered intramuscularly. Data from several clinical trials among young women (15-26 yr) indicated an excellent immunogenicity profile for all vaccines tested6. Although the efficacy studies were not carried out in the target adolescent population, immunogenicity-bridging studies documented strong immune response and safety profile6.
Cancers that could be potentially prevented by the three vaccines were estimated in a study in the US based on the available secondary data from various sources. HPV 16/18 vaccines prevented majority of the invasive cervical (66.2%) and anal (79.4%) cancers; the nonavalent vaccine additionally prevented between 4.2 and 18.3 per cent of cancers8….”
“… Identify sustainable financing and enhance the capacity of the health system (if required) before introduction of HPV vaccine.
A sustainable mode of financing should be identified to ensure the long-term continuity of the programme. Health system capacity in terms of trained human resources to administer the vaccine, delivery infrastructure such as functional cold chain and systems to monitor adverse events after vaccination should be assessed. If there are any gaps, appropriate steps should be taken to strengthen the health system before implementation of the HPV vaccine programme…”
Having reviewed statements from the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety to inform her section Adverse effects, in which she found that headaches, fatigue and pain at the injection site following HPV immunisation were about the extent of the risk, Glory had no anxieties about getting the jab herself.
She did so just days after she submitted her essay for consideration.
On our call, she reported on her experience of getting vaccinated in the same methodical tone that characterises her essay: “When they vaccinated, they gave us a card that [said] if there are any complaints, we should call the number on the card. But when I take the vaccine, I had no complaints, nor any experience, no pain.”
She learned she was one of the senior category prize-winners over the phone: “One of the organisers called my mom and said, congratulations.” Glory recalls, “I was so excited – happy.” The prize was a school bag, five notebooks, and 10,000 naira. She says she gave the money to her mother to thank her for her support.
Glory also reports herself “happy” about Nigeria’s ambitious mission to immunise millions: “there will be some girls prevented from disease.”
Cervical cancer still frightens her – she now knows too much about the disease to take it lightly – but her major personal preoccupations are for the future, not for her health. We ask her: what do you worry about? “How to fulfil my dream,” she fires back.
Rosabel, aged 12
“Normally every afternoon we hold assembly. So, at the assembly in the afternoon our head teacher announced the essay competition to us. So I wrote it,” Rosabel explains.
“It” – her prize-winning essay – is a trim 630 words, and as confident as it is economical. But Rosabel reports that she “had no idea,” of the existence of HPV or the vaccine against it before she began work on the paper.
“When I got home, I searched for human papillomavirus,” she says. She read about cancer – colonies of out-of-control cells, that can spread from their site of origin – and how, in the cervix, it can be sparked by the human papillomavirus. “I felt somehow bad because it affects mostly females, yeah,” she recalls.
Does that make her feel worried for the future? “I feel somehow worried, and I feel somehow calm, because I’ve heard of it, and I’ve got ideas of it, and ways to go about it.”
Excerpts from Rosabel’s essay
…The introduction of HPV vaccines represents a monumental achievement in preventive medicine. These vaccines target the most common high-risk HPV strains, effectively reducing the risk of cervical cancer development. By vaccinating individuals before exposure to HPV, particularly targeting adolescents, we can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the future. The vaccines have demonstrated high efficiency in preventing HPV infection and subsequent cervical abnormalities, making them a cornerstone in the fight against cervical cancer…
[…]
…The most effective approach to preventing cervical cancer involves the integration of HPV vaccination cervical cancer screening and early treatment initiatives. Vaccination provides primary prevention by reducing the incidence of HPV infection while screening programs offer secondary prevention by detecting precancerous lesions or early stage of early treatment completes the continuum of care by addressing identified abnormalities before they progress to advanced disease. Comprehensive prevention strategies should prioritize universal HPV vaccination, accessible screening programs, and equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals at risk of cervical cancer.
In conclusion, the prevention of cervical cancer relies on a multifaceted approach that encompasses HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening and early treatment…
For a girl of Rosabel’s age in Nigeria, the principal “way to go about it” is now the jab. Rosabel has not yet been vaccinated, but she intends to be. Ironically, she had meant to get the jab on the day the essay awards were presented, but in the rush to and from the venue, her appointment fell by the wayside.
Have you read?
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- In Zanzibar schools, HPV jabs come as part of a teen health package
Months have passed, however – does she maybe feel a bit worried about getting immunised, despite her research? “Not at all,” she declares.
Still, myths about the vaccine abound. We talk about the pitfalls of misinformation for the online researcher. “If it’s confusing me, I seek help from my parents or my teachers,” she says, simply.
Did anything surprise her during her research? “What was surprising was that 350,000 people died of it [cervical cancer]”. That’s the global figure – but for just a single year.
It begins to rain in Benin City, and Rosabel half-shouts to be heard above the storm. She says she plans to become a lawyer – it tallies with her instinctive, persuasive use of the first-person plural in her essay – because she loves the constitution of Nigeria, she loves Nigeria, and she wants to make it a better place. She seems so focused and so self-aware (the phrase “my academics”, proud and possessive, pops up repetitively) that it’s easy to forget she’s just a child.
This article was originally published on VaccinesWork
Their bodies, their words: meet the winners of Nigeria’s HPV essay contest
Girls in Nigeria’s Edo state were invited to take part in an essay-writing competition looking into the HPV vaccine. This week, VaccinesWork got to meet two of the winners.
- 11 October 2024
- by Gavi Staff
On 27 May this year, when Edo state in southern Nigeria kicked off its introductory human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine drive – part of a phased nationwide roll-out that is expected to result in the protection from cervical cancer of more than 16 million girls by 2025 – state First Lady Betsy Obaseki named six schoolgirls the winners of a special essay competition.
The contest, named after the First Lady and promoted under the tagline, “Empowering young minds!”, invited the very girls who would be eligible for the jab to inform themselves – and more than that, to bring academic rigour to the often-muddied informational waters that swirl around decisions concerning the female body.
“Despite a long day filled with marching and ceremonies, the positive energy and resilience of the girls who participated in the HPV essay competition was undeniable,” said Fubara Grace Erekosima, HPV Program Country Lead at Sydani Group, who watched the girls collect their awards from the First Lady in May.
“Standing next to the First Lady watching them step onto the stage, cheered on by their peers, was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from a supportive female community. These girls, supported by their peers and celebrated by their leaders, represent the future of female leadership and decision-making in Nigeria.”
The prompt:
Junior category (ages 9–11): “There’s a powerful shield against cervical cancer: the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Write an essay stating how vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 can be the key to preventing this serious illness in Edo State.”
Senior category (12–14): “Cervical cancer is a serious health issue affecting women around the world. However, there are essential ways to reduce its impact. Write an essay showing how the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, cervical screening and early treatment play crucial roles in preventing cervical cancer.”
The essay should be between 500 and 1500 words, original, and submitted before 18th of May 2024.
Earlier this week, online, VaccinesWork met two of the three winners in the senior category: Rosabel Famous-Okundamiya, of Discovery School Benin Technical, and Glory Osarumwense Ibhade, of Green Park Academy Montessori in Benin City.
Glory, aged 14
Before her teacher encouraged her to join the essay contest, Glory said she only knew “short notes” about HPV, gleaned from her older sister.
She went online to do her research, and produced, eventually, a footnote-dense, circumspect, 2,270-word paper. Unintimidated by complex data, the essay reads as if it intends to inform concrete action, even including a recommendations section partly written in the imperative.
It comes as no surprise at all to learn that Glory plans to become a doctor. More specifically, she dreams of being “a medical doctor and philanthropist.”
Excerpts from Glory’s essay
“…Immunogenicity and efficacy of available vaccines in the clinical trials.
All three available vaccines (bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent) are administered intramuscularly. Data from several clinical trials among young women (15-26 yr) indicated an excellent immunogenicity profile for all vaccines tested6. Although the efficacy studies were not carried out in the target adolescent population, immunogenicity-bridging studies documented strong immune response and safety profile6.
Cancers that could be potentially prevented by the three vaccines were estimated in a study in the US based on the available secondary data from various sources. HPV 16/18 vaccines prevented majority of the invasive cervical (66.2%) and anal (79.4%) cancers; the nonavalent vaccine additionally prevented between 4.2 and 18.3 per cent of cancers8….”
“… Identify sustainable financing and enhance the capacity of the health system (if required) before introduction of HPV vaccine.
A sustainable mode of financing should be identified to ensure the long-term continuity of the programme. Health system capacity in terms of trained human resources to administer the vaccine, delivery infrastructure such as functional cold chain and systems to monitor adverse events after vaccination should be assessed. If there are any gaps, appropriate steps should be taken to strengthen the health system before implementation of the HPV vaccine programme…”
Having reviewed statements from the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety to inform her section Adverse effects, in which she found that headaches, fatigue and pain at the injection site following HPV immunisation were about the extent of the risk, Glory had no anxieties about getting the jab herself.
She did so just days after she submitted her essay for consideration.
On our call, she reported on her experience of getting vaccinated in the same methodical tone that characterises her essay: “When they vaccinated, they gave us a card that [said] if there are any complaints, we should call the number on the card. But when I take the vaccine, I had no complaints, nor any experience, no pain.”
She learned she was one of the senior category prize-winners over the phone: “One of the organisers called my mom and said, congratulations.” Glory recalls, “I was so excited – happy.” The prize was a school bag, five notebooks, and 10,000 naira. She says she gave the money to her mother to thank her for her support.
Glory also reports herself “happy” about Nigeria’s ambitious mission to immunise millions: “there will be some girls prevented from disease.”
Cervical cancer still frightens her – she now knows too much about the disease to take it lightly – but her major personal preoccupations are for the future, not for her health. We ask her: what do you worry about? “How to fulfil my dream,” she fires back.
Rosabel, aged 12
“Normally every afternoon we hold assembly. So, at the assembly in the afternoon our head teacher announced the essay competition to us. So I wrote it,” Rosabel explains.
“It” – her prize-winning essay – is a trim 630 words, and as confident as it is economical. But Rosabel reports that she “had no idea,” of the existence of HPV or the vaccine against it before she began work on the paper.
“When I got home, I searched for human papillomavirus,” she says. She read about cancer – colonies of out-of-control cells, that can spread from their site of origin – and how, in the cervix, it can be sparked by the human papillomavirus. “I felt somehow bad because it affects mostly females, yeah,” she recalls.
Does that make her feel worried for the future? “I feel somehow worried, and I feel somehow calm, because I’ve heard of it, and I’ve got ideas of it, and ways to go about it.”
Excerpts from Rosabel’s essay
…The introduction of HPV vaccines represents a monumental achievement in preventive medicine. These vaccines target the most common high-risk HPV strains, effectively reducing the risk of cervical cancer development. By vaccinating individuals before exposure to HPV, particularly targeting adolescents, we can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the future. The vaccines have demonstrated high efficiency in preventing HPV infection and subsequent cervical abnormalities, making them a cornerstone in the fight against cervical cancer…
[…]
…The most effective approach to preventing cervical cancer involves the integration of HPV vaccination cervical cancer screening and early treatment initiatives. Vaccination provides primary prevention by reducing the incidence of HPV infection while screening programs offer secondary prevention by detecting precancerous lesions or early stage of early treatment completes the continuum of care by addressing identified abnormalities before they progress to advanced disease. Comprehensive prevention strategies should prioritize universal HPV vaccination, accessible screening programs, and equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals at risk of cervical cancer.
In conclusion, the prevention of cervical cancer relies on a multifaceted approach that encompasses HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening and early treatment…
For a girl of Rosabel’s age in Nigeria, the principal “way to go about it” is now the jab. Rosabel has not yet been vaccinated, but she intends to be. Ironically, she had meant to get the jab on the day the essay awards were presented, but in the rush to and from the venue, her appointment fell by the wayside.
Have you read?
Months have passed, however – does she maybe feel a bit worried about getting immunised, despite her research? “Not at all,” she declares.
Still, myths about the vaccine abound. We talk about the pitfalls of misinformation for the online researcher. “If it’s confusing me, I seek help from my parents or my teachers,” she says, simply.
Did anything surprise her during her research? “What was surprising was that 350,000 people died of it [cervical cancer]”. That’s the global figure – but for just a single year.
It begins to rain in Benin City, and Rosabel half-shouts to be heard above the storm. She says she plans to become a lawyer – it tallies with her instinctive, persuasive use of the first-person plural in her essay – because she loves the constitution of Nigeria, she loves Nigeria, and she wants to make it a better place. She seems so focused and so self-aware (the phrase “my academics”, proud and possessive, pops up repetitively) that it’s easy to forget she’s just a child.
This article was originally published on VaccinesWork
