Twenty-one states in Nigeria will commence Phase II of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise on May 27, 2024.
This was announced in a communiqué from the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the communiqué signed by the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the forum had received a briefing on the commencement of the exercise from its Senior Health Advisor, Dr Ahmad Abdulwahab on progress in the state involved, with expanding health insurance coverage and their performance on nutrition, as well as the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Leadership Challenge during the meeting.
In October 2023, the Nigerian government began integrating the HPV vaccine into the national health system, targeting 7.7 million adolescent girls aged 9–14.
This initiative, led by the Nigeria Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), aims to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health issue in Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized the significance of this health initiative. “This phase of the HPV vaccination exercise is crucial for protecting our young girls from cervical cancer and ensuring a healthier future for our nation,” he said.
Dr. Abdulwahab’s briefing highlighted the states’ efforts to expand health insurance coverage and their performance on nutrition initiatives.
The communiqué noted the commitment of the states involved to ensure the success of the vaccination exercise. “The states are prepared and have put necessary measures in place to ensure a smooth rollout of the HPV vaccine,” Dr. Abdulwahab stated.
The integration of the HPV vaccine into Nigeria’s health system marks a significant step in the country’s public health strategy.
By targeting adolescent girls, the government aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria.
NPHCDA’s efforts to spearhead this campaign reflect a broader commitment to improving national health outcomes.
