Federal government to commence vaccination of young girls against HPV
The Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with partners, are set to initiate the vaccination of girls aged 9 to 14 with the HPV vaccine to shield them from cervical cancer, which is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Nigeria records over 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer annually, leading to approximately 8,000 deaths. It stands as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. However, there is promising news: cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination.
A single dose of the HPV vaccine will provide protection against cervical cancer. This vaccine will be administered to girls aged 9 to 14 years in schools during the campaign period, starting on October 24, 2023.
According to a statement released by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency “you can access immunization services in all primary health care facilities near you to protect our girls from cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. It’s important to note that HPV vaccines, along with all other vaccines, are provided free of charge, and they are known to be safe and effective”.
Source: National Primary Health Care Development Agency.