Nigeria has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative by incorporating the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization program.
This monumental effort aims to reach 7.7 million girls, marking the most extensive HPV vaccination campaign ever conducted in the African region.
The objective of this massive undertaking is to combat the virus responsible for almost all instances of cervical cancer.
Under this initiative, girls aged 9 to 14 years will receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine, renowned for its remarkable efficacy in preventing infections caused by HPV types 16 and 18, which are accountable for at least 70% of cervical cancer cases.
Cervical cancer ranks as the third most prevalent cancer in Nigeria and stands as the second leading cause of cancer-related fatalities among women aged 15 to 44.
In 2020, the latest year for which data is available, the country witnessed 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer and an alarming 8,000 deaths attributed to the disease.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, stated, “The loss of about 8,000 Nigerian women annually due to a preventable disease is wholly unacceptable. Cervical cancer is predominantly induced by HPV, and parents can shield their children from physical and financial anguish by administering a single dose of this vaccine. The preservation of lives, the attainment of superior health outcomes, and the safeguarding of Nigerians’ welfare are central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Health Agenda.
“The commencement of this vaccination campaign offers an opportunity to protect our girls from the scourge of cervical cancer for many years to come. As a parent myself, with four daughters, all of them have received the HPV vaccine for protection against cervical cancer. I earnestly implore fellow parents to ensure that this generation of girls remains untouched by the preventable loss of lives to cervical cancer, along with the associated hardship, suffering, and pain.”
A five-day mass vaccination campaign will be held in schools and communities as part of the inaugural rollout in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Subsequently, the vaccine will be incorporated into the regular immunization schedules within healthcare facilities.
The second phase of the vaccination introduction is scheduled to commence in May 2024 across 21 states.
The Federal Ministry of Health is generously providing the vaccine for free, with vital support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other esteemed partners.
In preparation for the campaign and subsequent vaccine delivery across healthcare facilities, more than 35,000 healthcare workers have received training, thanks to support from the WHO country office in Nigeria and other dedicated partners. To ensure that no eligible girl is left without access to the vaccine, vaccination sites have been established in all 4,163 wards within the 16 states covered in the initial phase.
Additionally, mobile vaccination units have been deployed to ensure that even remote communities can access the vaccine.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “This is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer – one of the few cancers that can potentially be eradicated through vaccination. We remain committed to supporting the government in expanding access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women.”
WHO recommends the inclusion of HPV vaccination in the national immunization programs of countries where cervical cancer represents a public health concern and where cost-effective, sustainable implementation is feasible. Nigeria has made this a priority by integrating the vaccine into the country’s routine immunization schedule.
Global supply challenges had initially impeded Gavi-supported vaccine introductions. However, thanks to years of market-shaping efforts to create a more robust HPV vaccine market and the recommendation for a single dose, these supply issues are gradually abating.
Recognizing this crucial opportunity to reach more girls with an expanded global HPV vaccine supply and renewed momentum to combat cervical cancer, the Gavi board has approved the revitalization of its HPV vaccine program, with an investment exceeding US$600 million by the end of 2025. With this additional funding, Gavi and its partners aspire to reach over 86 million girls by 2025, aiming to prevent more than 1.4 million future cervical cancer-related deaths.
Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programs Delivery at Gavi, noted, “Every day, cervical cancer inflicts profound loss and devastation on families across Nigeria. It also disproportionately affects women’s lives. 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 have been provided with the most effective tool to combat cervical cancer, offering the nation an opportunity to collectively save millions of lives.”
By 2025, over 16 million girls in Nigeria alone could benefit from this initiative. To support these efforts and aligning with its objective to establish sustainable immunization programs, Gavi is co-financing the vaccine costs and delivering technical support for the introduction.
UNICEF, on behalf of the Government of Nigeria, has procured nearly 15 million HPV vaccines. Additionally, the organization has produced informative materials, including radio and TV jingles in various local languages to dispel misconceptions and rumors. Furthermore, UNICEF has supported academic and research efforts with two rounds of readiness assessments to gauge public sentiment regarding HPV and the vaccine.
In a bid to expand outreach, UNICEF has facilitated logistical support for vaccination campaigns and provided essential cold chain equipment for vaccine preservation.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, shared, “In our collective pursuit of a brighter future, the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Nigeria signifies a significant step toward shielding our girls from the clutches of cervical cancer.
This vaccine not only prevents a disease but promises a life where our young women can flourish, unburdened by the shadow of this grave health concern. UNICEF, in collaboration with the government and other partners, is proud to be a key contributor to this initiative, ensuring that every eligible girl, regardless of her location or circumstances, gains access to this life-saving intervention. Together, we are crafting a narrative of hope, resilience, and a healthier Nigeria.”
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