Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has announced that seven million girls have been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) in just two weeks, marking a significant milestone in the country’s battle against cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccines are crucial in preventing infection by certain types of the virus, which is a common sexually transmitted disease known to cause various health issues, including cervical cancer in women.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Gavi highlighted the impact of this achievement on Nigeria’s health landscape, stating, “Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among women in Nigeria, claiming countless lives each year.”
The alliance emphasised the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, boasting an average success rate of 92%.
Gavi initiated its partnership with the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, WHO, and UNICEF in October 2023 to integrate the HPV vaccine into the national immunisation program.
Building on the success of the initial phase, which vaccinated 5.3 million girls across 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory in October 2023, Gavi expanded its efforts in May 2024. The second phase has now successfully reached seven million girls in 21 states.
Dr. Sani Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts, stating, “This achievement is a testament to the tremendous collaboration between Gavi, the Nigerian government, and our partners.
“By prioritizing girls’ health, we are empowering a generation and helping to save countless lives.”
The ambitious vaccination campaign aims to reach a total of 16 million girls by 2025.
