Nigeria Expands HPV Vaccine Campaign Nationwide to Combat Cervical Cancer

The HPV vaccine, created to prevent cervical cancer, has been expanded to most Nigerian states. Last October, it was included in the regular vaccination plan. Cervical cancer ranks as the third most common cancer and the second major cause of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian women aged 15-44. In 2020, Nigeria saw 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from this disease.

Contrary to other vaccination efforts in Nigeria, the HPV campaign stands out. Authorities work extensively to inform the public about the vaccine, challenging misconceptions that it could impact fertility.

Despite extensive usage in developed nations, the HPV vaccine remains a recent addition to vaccination programs in just half of African nations, despite the continent’s high disease burden. In 2020, one-fifth of global cervical cancer deaths were reported from Africa, with 100,000 new cases and 70,000 fatalities.