By Hassan Zaggi
With formal launch of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and its introduction into the routine immunization system, Nigeria is set to vaccinate over 7.7 million young girls.
The vaccine is being provided for free by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.
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 is set to start in May 2024 in 21 states.
In a joint statement by GAVI, WHO and UNICEF, girls aged 9–14 years will receive a single dose of the vaccine, which is highly efficacious in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancers.
It would be recalled that with support from WHO country office in Nigeria and other partners, more than 35,000 health workers have so far been trained in preparation for the campaign and subsequent vaccine delivery in all health facilities.
Vaccination sites have been established in all 4,163 wards across the 16 states included in the phase one roll-out, to ensure no eligible girl is left behind. Mobile vaccination units have also been set up to ensure that remote communities can access the vaccine.
While reiterating the importance of the vaccination exercise, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, said: “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 increase access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women.”
On his part, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed that: “The loss of about 8000 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.
“As a parent myself, I have four daughters, all of them have had the same HPV vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer. I’d like to implore fellow parents to dutifully ensure that this generation of our girls disrupt the preventable loss of lives to cervical cancer in addition to other untold hardship, loss, and pain.”
Recognising the critical opportunity to reach more girls with higher levels of global HPV vaccine supply and renewed momentum towards accelerating efforts to prevent cervical cancer, the Gavi board approved the revitalisation of its HPV vaccine programme with an investment of more than US$ 600 million by the end of 2025.
With the additional funding, Gavi and its partners have set an ambitious goal to reach more than 86 million girls by 2025, aiming to avert more than 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer.
“Every day, cervical cancer inflicts profound loss and devastation on families across Nigeria. It also disproportionately impacts the lives of women. And yet, it is a disease that can be prevented. With the HPV vaccine now available in Nigeria for eligible adolescent girls at no cost, communities now have the most effective tool to fight cervical cancer, and the nation has an opportunity, collectively, to save millions of lives,” says Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi.
UNICEF has procured nearly 15 million HPV vaccines on behalf of the Government of Nigeria. Alongside this, the children’s agency has produced informational materials, including radio and TV jingles in multiple local languages to dispel misinformation and rumours. To further the outreach, UNICEF also supported academia and researchers with two rounds of readiness assessments to understand the population’s sentiments on the HPV virus and vaccine. Additionally, UNICEF has facilitated logistical support for vaccination campaigns and distributed cold chain equipment for vaccine preservation.
“In our shared quest for a brighter future, the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Nigeria represents a monumental stride towards safeguarding our girls from the grips of cervical cancer. This vaccine doesn’t just prevent a disease; it promises a life where our young women can thrive, unburdened by the spectre of this grave health concern.
“UNICEF, in collaboration with the government and other partners, is proud to be a key partner in this initiative, ensuring that every eligible girl, irrespective of her location or circumstances, has access to this life-saving intervention. Together, we are scripting a narrative of hope, resilience, and a healthier Nigeria.” says Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria
