From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, launched the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, thus marking the introduction of the vaccine into the national routine immunization programme of the country.
Girls aged 9 to14 years will be expected to receive a single dose of the vaccine, which is highly efficacious in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18 that are known to cause at least 70 per cent of cervical cancers.
The government had frowned at the number of deaths being recorded annually as a result of cervical cancer among female folks which is as a result of human papilloma virus.
At the launch of the virus in Abuja, on Tuesday, the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, disclosed that effective deployment of the newly introduced vaccine can save the lives of over 8, 000 Nigerian women who die yearly cervical cancer which is a disease that is preventable.
He explained that cervical cancer is mostly caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and parents can avoid physical and financial pain by protecting their children with a single dose of the vaccine.
He said: “Saving lives, and producing quality health outcomes and protecting the wellbeing of Nigerians are central to the Renewed Health Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The onset of the vaccination campaign is an opportunity to safeguard our girls from the scourge of cervical cancers many years into the future.
“As a parent myself, I have four daughters, all of them have had the same HPV vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer. I’d like to implore fellow parents to dutifully ensure that this generation of our girls disrupt the preventable loss of lives to cervical cancer in addition to other untold hardship, loss, and pain.”
The Minister said that a five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will be carried out during the inaugural rollout in 16 states and the FCT, and will be expanded to 21 states in May 2024.
Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, in his remarks, said the introduction of HPV vaccine into Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule is a monumental and necessary step towards the prevention of cervical cancer which is devastating disease that weaken the potentials of women. “It’s a giant leap towards a healthier and brighter future for our nation.
“With this introduction, we aim to provide protection to the most vulnerable among us and strive to reduce the burden of cervical cancer,” he said.
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, in his remarks, said the launch of the HPV vaccine is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to lower the burden of cervical cancer which is one of the few cancers that can potentially be eliminated through vaccination.
He promised that WHO will support the government to increase access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women.
He thus recommended that HPV vaccination is included in the national immunization programmes of countries where cervical cancer is a public health priority, where its cost-effective and sustainable implementation is feasible. “As such, Nigeria has prioritized the addition of the vaccine to the country’s routine immunization schedule.”
Thabani Maphosa, Gavi’s Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery, overseeing Gavi’s operations in 73 countries, said in his remarks, that cervical cancer has inflicted profound loss and devastation on families across Nigeria, hence the determination to protect the future generations through the vaccine.
He added: “It also disproportionately impacts the lives of women. And yet, it is a disease that can be prevented. With the HPV vaccine now available in Nigeria for eligible adolescent girls at no cost, communities now have the most effective tool to fight cervical cancer and the nation has an opportunity, collectively to save millions of lives.”
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, disclosed that UNICEF procured nearly 15 million doses of the HPV vaccines for Nigeria. “Alongside this, UNICEF has produced informational materials, including radio and TV jingles in multiple local languages to dispel misinformation and rumours.
“To further the outreach, UNICEF also supported academia and researches with two rounds of readiness assessments to understand the population’s sentiments on HPV and the vaccine. Additionally, UNICEF has facilitated logistical support for vaccination campaigns and distributed cold chain equipment for vaccine preservation,” she said.