Health is Wealth

Seven Million Nigerian Girls Vaccinated Against HPV

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 19, 2024

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In a remarkable achievement, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced that seven million Nigerian girls have been successfully vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) in just two weeks. This milestone marks a critical step in safeguarding girls from cervical cancer later in life.

The vaccination initiative was launched by the Federal Government on October 24, 2023, targeting over seven million girls aged nine to 14. The first phase covered 16 states, including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos, among others. The second phase, which commenced on May 27, extended to the remaining states across the country.

According to Prof Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, approximately 4.95 million girls were vaccinated against HPV during the first phase. The HPV vaccine, introduced into the routine immunization schedule, aims to prevent HPV infections, a primary cause of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is a significant health concern in Nigeria, ranking as the second most frequent cancer among women and the second most frequent cancer-related cause of death among women aged 15 to 44. The Global Cancer Observatory estimated over 12,000 new cervical cancer cases annually in Nigeria.

Gavi partnered with the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organisation, and the United Nations Children’s Fund to introduce the HPV vaccine into the national immunization programme in October 2023. Furthermore, Gavi expanded its collaboration with Girl Effect in May 2024 to ensure vaccine access and provide critical information to girls.

Dr Sani Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, emphasized the significance of this achievement, highlighting the collaborative efforts between Gavi, the Nigerian government, and partners. By prioritizing girls’ health and vaccination, the initiative aims to empower future generations and save countless lives.