Nigeria has introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization system, to reach 7.7 million girls. This marks the largest number of girls to receive the HPV vaccine in a single round of vaccination in the African region. The campaign aims to combat the virus responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
Girls between the ages of 9 and 14 will receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine, known for its high effectiveness in preventing infections caused by HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for at least 70% of cervical cancers.
Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in Nigeria and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44. In 2020, Nigeria recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths due to cervical cancer.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the preventable nature of cervical cancer, which is mostly caused by HPV. He encouraged parents to protect their children by ensuring they receive the vaccine.
The vaccination campaign will be carried out in schools and communities over five days in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory. After this initial rollout, the vaccine will become a part of routine immunization schedules in health facilities. The second phase of the vaccination introduction is set to begin in May 2024 in 21 states.
The HPV vaccine is being provided free of charge by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners.
Extensive preparations have been made, including the training of over 35,000 health workers, the establishment of vaccination sites in all 4,163 wards across the 16 states in the first phase, and the deployment of mobile vaccination units to reach remote communities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the inclusion of HPV vaccination in national immunization programs in countries where cervical cancer is a public health priority. Nigeria has prioritized adding the vaccine to its routine immunization schedule.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat cervical cancer and global supply shortages of HPV vaccines are being addressed to ensure broader access to the vaccine. Gavi and its partners have set ambitious goals to reach over 86 million girls worldwide by 2025, aiming to prevent over 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer.
UNICEF has played a key role in procuring HPV vaccines for Nigeria and has also provided logistical support, produced informational materials and conducted readiness assessments to dispel misinformation and rumors.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine in Nigeria is seen as a significant step toward safeguarding the health of girls and preventing cervical cancer. It represents a collaborative effort by the government and its partners to ensure that every eligible girl has access to this life-saving intervention.
