Nigeria Launches Mass Vaccine Drive to Fight Cervical Cancer

Nigeria has introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation system to combat cervical cancer. This initiative aims to vaccinate 7.7 million girls aged 9-14 with a single dose of the vaccine. Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian women in the 15-44 age group.

In 2020, there were 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer in the country.

The vaccination campaign includes a five-day mass vaccination drive in schools and communities, with plans to incorporate the vaccine into routine immunisation schedules. 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 Organization and other partners.

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has decried the high prevalence of cervical cancer in Nigeria. The vaccination campaign aims to ensure that by 2025, over 16 million girls are protected.

Article and image originally appeared on All Africa