Nigeria has incorporated the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation programme, with the goal of reaching 7.7 million girls. This marks the largest number to be vaccinated against HPV in a single round in the African region. The vaccination campaign targets the virus responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

According to a statement from the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), girls aged nine to 14 years will receive a single dose of the vaccine, which has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing HPV types 16 and 18 infections, known to cause at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers.

In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44. In 2020, the country reported 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.

“The loss of about 8,000 Nigerian women yearly from a disease that is preventable is completely unacceptable,” said Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.  

“Cervical cancer is mostly caused by HPV, and parents can avoid physical and financial pain by protecting their children with a single dose of the vaccine. Saving lives, and producing quality health outcomes and protecting the wellbeing of Nigerians are central to the Renewed Health agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The onset of the vaccination campaign is an opportunity to safeguard our girls from the scourge of cervical cancers, many years into the future,” he added.

A five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will be carried out during the inaugural roll-out in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The vaccine will then be incorporated in routine immunisation schedules within health facilities. The second phase of the vaccination introduction will start in May 2024 in 21 states.
    
The vaccine is being provided free by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, with support from Gavi, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners.