By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step in the fight against cervical cancer by introducing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization system. This initiative aims to vaccinate 7.7 million girls between the ages of 9 and 14, marking the largest number of girls to receive the HPV vaccine in a single round of immunization in the African region.
Girls aged 9 to 14 years will be administered a single dose of the HPV vaccine, known for its high efficacy in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for at least 70% of cervical cancers.
Cervical cancer is a major concern in Nigeria, ranking as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44. In 2020, Nigeria reported 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths due to cervical cancer.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, expressed his deep concern, stating, “The loss of about 8,000 Nigerian women annually from a disease that is preventable is completely unacceptable.”
Pate further emphasized, “Cervical cancer is mostly caused by HPV, and parents can prevent physical and financial pain by protecting their children with a single dose of the vaccine. Saving lives and ensuring the well-being of Nigerians are central to the Renewed Health Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He continued, “The launch of this vaccination campaign is an opportunity to protect our girls from the scourge of cervical cancer for years to come.”
“As a parent myself with four daughters, all of them have received the HPV vaccine to safeguard them against cervical cancer. I urge fellow parents to ensure that this generation of girls is protected from the preventable loss of lives due to cervical cancer, along with other hardships, losses, and pain,” added Prof. Pate.
The vaccination campaign will span five days, reaching schools and communities after its initial rollout in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Subsequently, the vaccine will be incorporated into routine immunization schedules at health facilities. The second phase of vaccine introduction is scheduled to commence in May 2024, covering 21 states.
The Federal Ministry of Health is providing the vaccine free of charge, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners.
To ensure the successful implementation of the campaign, more than 35,000 health workers have been trained by the WHO country office in Nigeria and other partners. Additionally, vaccination sites have been established in all 4,163 wards across the 16 states included in the phase one rollout, ensuring that no eligible girl is left behind. Mobile vaccination units have also been deployed to reach remote communities.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, stated, “This is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to lower the burden of cervical cancer – one of the few cancers which can potentially be eliminated through vaccination. We’re committed to supporting the government to increase access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women.”
Furthermore, the World Health Organization recommends the inclusion of HPV vaccination in the national immunization programs of countries where cervical cancer is a public health concern, and its cost-effective and sustainable implementation is feasible. Nigeria is aligning with this recommendation by prioritizing the inclusion of the vaccine in the country’s routine immunization schedule.
