The Federal Government, on Tuesday, introduced the Human Papillomavirus vaccine into the routine immunisation system to prevent cervical cancer among girls.
The vaccination targets over seven million girls, which is the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in the African region.
The PUNCH reports that girls aged nine to 14 years will receive a single dose of the vaccine, which prevents HPV types 16 and 18, known to cause at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between ages 15 and 44 years. In 2020, Nigeria recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.
A statement by the World Health Organisation noted that a five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will be carried out during the inaugural rollout in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The vaccine will then be incorporated into routine immunisation schedules within health facilities. The second phase of the vaccination introduction is set to start in May 2024 in 21 states.
“The vaccine is being provided for free by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organisation, and other partners,” the statement said.
It added that over 35,000 health workers had been trained in preparation for the campaign.
“Vaccination sites have been established in all 4,163 wards across the 16 states included in the phase one rollout to ensure no eligible girl is left behind,” the statement added.
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