By Atoyebi Nike
The Kaduna State Government has launched the Girl Effect Oya Campaign, a major health initiative aimed at protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer and malnutrition. The campaign, unveiled on Wednesday at the Gusau Institute, Kaduna, targets girls aged 9 to 14 and aims to deepen awareness and early prevention across communities.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe represented by Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Rabi Salisu called the campaign a “call to action” to safeguard girls’ health. She highlighted that over 754,304 girls have already been vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) since the state’s immunization drive began in 2024.
“This is not just about vaccines and nutrition,” Balarabe said. “It is about our collective duty to protect and empower the next generation of girls in Kaduna.”
The campaign, implemented by UK-based Girl Effect, seeks to engage parents, educators, and traditional leaders to combat harmful myths and support adolescent health. Balarabe reaffirmed Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to expanding access to vaccines, improving nutrition, and securing a disease-free future for girls.
“No child should be lost to a disease we can prevent,” she added, urging stakeholders to “ignite conversations in homes, classrooms, markets, and mosques.”
Health officials praised Kaduna as a northern model for integrating adolescent health into routine immunization and development strategies. The campaign will run in partnership with civil society organizations and development partners to deepen community engagement.
