Nigeria vaccinates 18 million girls against cervical cancer

Nigeria has vaccinated over 18 million adolescent girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as part of efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in the country. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) reported that this represents approximately 76% of its target population. Dr. Rufai Garba, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at NPHCDA, highlighted the significance of this milestone while speaking at a strategic policy roundtable organized by MSD in partnership with Africa Health Business in Abuja.

The meeting focused on expanding HPV vaccination, improving access to screening and treatment, and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors. Despite the progress made, Garba emphasized that vaccination alone is not sufficient to eliminate cervical cancer, and additional efforts are required in screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.