On the eve of the deployment of the « HPV+ and Polio Gender » project, funded by UNICEF, the national coordinator of Family Club, Yedidia Jonas Alirou, was received in audience by the Regional Delegate of Public Health of the Center, Dr Mambo Maka Albert.
The urgent need for public health prevention sometimes requires shaking up established practices and uniting diverse efforts. In the Central region, this reality has now taken the form of a leading strategic alliance between public authorities and local stakeholders.
It was within this framework of unity that a crucial preparatory working session was held at the offices of the Regional Delegation of Public Health, outlining a major offensive against human papillomavirus (HPV) and polio.At the heart of this high-level consultation, the National Coordinator of Family Club and Lead of the CSO Consortium, Yedidia Jonas Alirou, was received in audience by Dr. Mambo Maka Albert, Regional Delegate of Public Health for the Central Region.
Dr. Edzoa Brice, Regional Coordinator of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) for the Central Region, was accompanied by the regional health official. This bilateral meeting allowed for the alignment of strategic visions and the harmonization of operational approaches prior to the effective deployment of activities in the field.Indeed, the « HPV+ and Polio Gender » project is directly aligned with Social and Behavior Change (SBC) and Health interventions, a crucial component supported and funded by UNICEF.
The implementation of this large-scale initiative is entrusted to a consortium of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) firmly rooted in the communities. Under the leadership of Family Club, this consortium also incorporates the recognized expertise of the organizations WINs and ASRADD. This synergy of non-state actors is essential for delivering effective awareness messages, dismantling gender-based prejudices, and encouraging widespread vaccination.
Furthermore, close collaboration with the Regional Delegation and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) guarantees the technical and scientific rigor of the interventions that will be carried out. Following particularly intensive and constructive discussions, both parties approved the next crucial steps in their joint roadmap. The official project kick-off meeting for « HPV+ and Polio Gender » has been scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. sharp, and will take place in the meeting room of the Central Regional Public Health Delegation.
This scoping event will officially launch the detailed planning and engagement of local stakeholders. By combining the medical expertise of health authorities, the institutional and financial support of UNICEF, and the community-based reach of the CSO consortium, the Central Region is equipping itself with the best possible tools to address a major public health challenge.
The ultimate goal remains immense: to sustainably protect the future of young girls and safeguard the health of every child in the face of preventable threats.
