HOW I GOT THE VACCINE

My name is Nambela Nachilyango, I am 16 years old but this is my story

In 2014, when I was in Grade 4 at Kabulonga Primary School. I remember nurses from Bauleni Clinic led by Dr. Banda came to give a talk on a certain vaccine that was going to be given to girls at the age of 9 and above. The school gave us consent slips to give our parents/guardians. I gave mine to my parents and they both disagreed with the idea of getting the vaccine saying they needed to know more about this drug (parents right!!!).

I really wanted to get the vaccine at that time because everyone in my class was getting it (they want to crush my swag! Really!!) so I decided to take the slip behind their backs to my Grandmother (my joker card) who was at that time, Human Rights Commissioner office of the children. The following day she approached Dr. Sharon Kapambwe -who I had met while in my mummy's tummy (wink wink)- and she gave her information, pamphlet documentation and all you needed to know about the vaccine. When she came home, she told me what she learnt and signed my consent slip (Victory is mine).

The very next day I took my slip to the school authorities (street cred maintained) and when the medical team came, I got my vaccine.

At that time I fought to get the jab because it was an exciting thing to do with my class mates. Given an opportunity, I now understand what it's all about and I would still do it all over again!

I would encourage all mothers to help my fellow little sisters get the vaccine and we can have a fighting chance to beat Cervical Cancer.

#LetsEliminateCervicalCancer

#HPVvaccine4all

#iamalittletealsister