Nigeria vaccinates 18m girls against cervical cancer

The Nigerian government has vaccinated more than 18 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as part of its efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in the country. This represents approximately 76% of the target population, according to Dr. Rufai Garba, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

The vaccination campaign, which began in October 2023, has expanded nationwide after initially targeting 7.7 million girls aged nine to 14. Garba emphasized that while vaccination is crucial, it is not enough on its own to eradicate cervical cancer. Countries must also focus on screening, early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up to ensure comprehensive prevention and care.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15, 70% of women to be screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of women with pre-cancer or invasive cancer to receive appropriate treatment. In Nigeria, HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer, with an estimated 13,676 new cases and 7,093 deaths in 2023.

The NPHCDA aims to provide the HPV vaccine free of charge to eligible nine-year-old girls at public health facilities, while private facilities can vaccinate individuals outside the routine target age. Garba highlighted challenges such as getting healthy nine-year-old girls to health facilities for preventive vaccination and called for stronger adolescent-friendly health services.

Additionally, he urged journalists to investigate any private health facilities charging patients for free government-provided HPV vaccines, noting that the agency could withdraw supplies from such facilities.