Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has said that seven million girls in Nigeria have been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the second phase of the vaccination campaign.
The first phase of the campaign, launched in October 2023, saw 5.3 million girls in 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) vaccinated. The second phase, which kicked off in May 2024, has already seen seven million girls in 21 States protected against HPV, a critical step in protecting them from cervical cancer later in life. The HPV vaccine offers a highly effective tool for prevention, with an average success rate of 92 per cent.
Nigeria is aiming to reach 16 million girls by 2025. In just two weeks, an impressive seven million girls have been vaccinated against HPV. The CEO of Gavi, Dr. Sani Nishtar, said, “This achievement is a testament to the tremendous collaboration between Gavi, the Nigerian government, and our partners. By prioritising girls’ health, we are empowering a generation and helping to save countless lives.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has been committed to ensuring the success of the vaccination campaign, which is part of the country’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer. The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, expressed his appreciation for the partnership with Gavi and other stakeholders, saying, “The Nigerian government is dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of our citizens, especially our children. This vaccination campaign is a significant step towards preventing cervical cancer and ensuring a healthier future for our girls.”
The HPV vaccine is being administered to girls aged 9 to 14, and the campaign is being implemented in collaboration with state governments, local healthcare workers, and community leaders. The vaccine is being provided free of charge to ensure equal access for all eligible girls.
Gavi has been working closely with the Nigerian government and other partners to strengthen the country’s immunization system and ensure that vaccines reach all those who need them. The organisation has also been supporting Nigeria’s efforts to improve vaccine confidence and address any misinformation or concerns about the HPV vaccine.
With this milestone achievement, Nigeria is making significant progress towards protecting its girls against cervical cancer and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the country continues to work towards reaching all eligible girls with the HPV vaccine, it is clear that the partnership between Gavi, the Nigerian government, and other stakeholders is crucial to achieving this goal.
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