Wednesday, 17th October 2023.

In a groundbreaking development, the Nigerian Federal Government confirmed the availability of 6 million Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines ready for distribution to combat the fight against cervical cancer. This vital announcement is a signifying commitment to the well-being of the young female population in the country.

The vaccine targets 6 million Nigerian girls aged 9 to 14, and the first vaccination phase is set to kick off on the 24th of October, 2023. The first rollout of vaccines will encompass 14 states, including the FCT and Lagos state. 

During a press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, on Tuesday, emphasised the profound impact this vaccine will have in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Nigeria. He further highlighted the two-phase strategy for a seamless distribution across all the states. 

"This vital vaccine introduction will occur in two phases. The first phase will encompass 16 states, including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory. The second phase is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 and will encompass the remaining states: Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.” 

He also expressed concern over the numbers surrounding the current cases of cervical cancer in the country. Nigeria currently contributes to 12,075 global cervical cancer cases and 8,000 deaths yearly.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Nigeria after breast cancer, and it affects women aged 15 to 50 years. HPV is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection that is a major risk factor for several cancers, especially cervical cancer. There is no cure for this virus if contracted, and prevention is the best approach.  

The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, has been approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Gardasil vaccine provides maximum protection against HPV and can also be administered to women as early as 9 or as late as 26. The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, also confirmed that a single dose of the vaccine has been scientifically proven to safeguard young girls against the virus. 

For the two phases of vaccine distribution, the NPHCDA will carry out a 5-day campaign around schools, communities, marketplaces, and other public places to educate and target young girls on the importance of preventing cervical cancer. 

Forging a clear path ahead, the NPHCDA  plans to transition to a general full routine immunisation with the HPV vaccine by 2025, providing access for more women of all ages to the vaccine. This ambitious move represents a significant step towards securing a healthier future for Nigerian women.