The Federal Government has officially incorporated the Human Papillomavirus vaccine into the country’s routine immunization system.
According to The PUNCH, the initiative aims to vaccinate more than seven million girls, marking the largest-ever deployment of HPV vaccination in the African region.
It was reported that under this program, girls between the ages of nine and 14 will receive a single dose of the vaccine.
The vaccine is renowned for its high efficacy in preventing HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for at least 70% of cervical cancers.
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern in Nigeria, ranking as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44. Disturbingly, in 2020, Nigeria reported 12,000 new cases and 8,000 fatalities due to cervical cancer.
In collaboration with the World Health Organization, Nigeria will initiate a five-day mass vaccination campaign within schools and communities.
In a press statement by the World Bank, this endeavor will commence in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory, heralding a major step forward in combatting cervical cancer and safeguarding the health of young girls across the nation.
“The vaccine will then be incorporated in routine immunisation schedules with in health facilities. The second phase of the vaccination introduction is set to start in May 2024 in 21 states.
“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, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organisation, and other partners.
“With support from WHO country office in Nigeria and other partners, over 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 rollout 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,” the statement read in part.
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, the loss of about 8000 Nigerian women yearly from a disease that is preventable is 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,” Pate said.
Also, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter 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.”
WHO recommends that HPV vaccination is included in the national immunisation programmes of countries where cervical cancer is a public health priority, where its cost-effective and sustainable implementation is feasible.
“As such, Nigeria has prioritised the addition of the vaccine to the country’s routine immunization schedule.
“Global supply shortages have slowed Gavi-supported vaccine introductions. These supply issues are now easing thanks to years of market shaping efforts to develop a more robust HPV vaccine market, and the single dose recommendation.
“Recognizing this 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 over $600 million by end of 2025. With the additional funding, Gavi and its partners have set an ambitious goal to reach over 86 million girls by 2025, aiming to avert over 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer,” the statement added.
