The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has disclosed that Nigeria has successfully vaccinated over 3.9 million girls aged 9 to 14 against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) since the commencement of the vaccination campaign in October. The initiative, integrated into the routine immunization system, aims to reach 7.7 million girls in the targeted age group with a single dose of the HPV vaccine.
Dr. Garba Rufai, Acting Director of Disease Control and Immunization of the agency, reported the substantial progress during a virtual discourse organized by the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN) with support from Marie Stopes International of Nigeria (MSION), titled “Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination: Matters Arising.” He emphasized the absence of serious adverse events among those vaccinated, highlighting the program’s safety.
Despite initial information gaps, Rufai affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the vaccination exercise. “Introducing a vaccine is a process; there are activities lined up. We are building capacity and reminding ourselves about what vaccines are, what they do, and their possible adverse side effects,” he stated.
The vaccination campaign, implemented in 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, has witnessed remarkable acceptance, with approximately four million young girls already vaccinated. Rufai projected the number to reach close to five million with the upcoming inclusion of Kano state.
Challenges persist in countering misinformation and misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine, as highlighted by Professor Oyewale Tomori, a renowned virologist. Criticizing the delayed initiation of awareness efforts, Tomori stressed the need for proactive and continuous awareness campaigns to combat misinformation effectively. “We must aggressively counter fake news and rumors and consciously be ahead of the rumor mongers,” he urged.
In her presentation, Prof Rose Anorlu, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, underscored the significance of cervical cancer prevention. Advocating for the inclusion of preventive measures like HPV vaccination, she emphasized the effectiveness of screening in detecting pre-cancerous conditions.
Prof Anorlu’s insights into the importance of preventive measures, including HPV vaccination, provide a crucial perspective on tackling cervical cancer. She emphasized, “The introduction of the HPV vaccination information should have started way back, at least six or seven months ago. What the government is now doing is medicine after death. We should learn from the past and continuously update our information.”
The HPV vaccination drive is a crucial component of Nigeria’s broader public health strategy to reduce cervical cancer risks and protect the well-being of its population. The government aims to bridge information gaps, dispel myths, and ensure widespread coverage for optimal impact.