Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been introduced by Nigeria into its routine immunization system, aiming to reach 7.7 million girls.  This is the biggest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in Africa region in a vaccination drive against the virus that triggers nearly every case of cervical cancer.

In a recent statement, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) said girls aged nine to 14 years will receive a single dose of the vaccine, which is efficient in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to cause no fewer than 70 percent of cervical cancers.
    
Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44 in Nigeria. In 2020, Nigeria recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.
    
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said: “The loss of about 8,000 Nigerian women yearly from a disease that is preventable is completely unacceptable.

   
“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.”

A five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will take place during the inaugural roll-out in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The vaccine will later be incorporated into routine immunization schedules within health facilities. The second phase of the vaccination introduction will commence in May 2024 in 21 states.
    
The vaccine is made available for 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.