The Nigerian government has announced a significant achievement in its health initiative to combat cervical cancer, having successfully vaccinated more than 18 million adolescent girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This figure represents approximately 76 percent of the targeted population, as the country intensifies its efforts to eliminate cervical cancer.

Dr. Rufai Garba, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), made the announcement during a strategic policy roundtable held in Abuja. The event, themed "Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination in Nigeria: Uniting Public and Private Sectors for Equitable Access," aimed to enhance collaboration between public and private sectors in expanding HPV vaccination, improving access to screening and treatment, and addressing the overall cancer care continuum.

Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine into Nigeria's national immunisation programme in October 2023, the country has made notable progress in its vaccination campaign. Initially targeting 7.7 million girls aged nine to fourteen, the programme has now expanded nationwide with the support of international partners such as Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO. Dr. Garba emphasized that while the vaccination drive is crucial, it is not the sole solution to eliminate cervical cancer. He stated, "Today, we are around 76 percent coverage of our target, but in terms of numbers, we have crossed 18 million adolescent girls, which is equivalent to three countries in Africa."

Cervical cancer remains a pressing health issue in Nigeria, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimating 13,676 new cases and 7,093 deaths from the disease in 2023 alone. Dr. Garba highlighted the importance of not only vaccination but also early screening and treatment, noting that approximately 12,000 new cases are reported annually, resulting in nearly 8,000 deaths each year.

To address the challenges of reaching eligible girls for vaccination, the NPHCDA has implemented school-based vaccination programs and outreach campaigns. Dr. Garba pointed out that one of the significant hurdles is ensuring that healthy nine-year-old girls access health facilities for preventive care. He advocated for the establishment of adolescent-friendly health services that provide safe spaces for young people to seek healthcare without fear of judgment.

Concerns regarding vaccine shortages in certain states have also been addressed, with the NPHCDA monitoring stock levels through a logistics dashboard to ensure vaccines are redistributed to areas with higher demand. Dr. Garba reassured that the country’s cold-chain system is robust, with solar-powered equipment being deployed to enhance vaccine storage in primary healthcare centers.

Furthermore, Vuyo Mjekula, the Director of External Affairs for Sub-Saharan Africa at MSD, emphasized the need for increased private-sector participation in Nigeria’s cervical cancer elimination efforts. She highlighted the importance of integrating preventive healthcare into routine maternal and reproductive health services, allowing women to access screening during regular healthcare visits.

In addition to vaccination, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) is working to improve awareness and access to cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Usman Muhammad Waziri, representing NICRAT, noted that financial constraints often hinder patients from seeking timely medical attention, leading to late-stage diagnoses. NICRAT has introduced initiatives aimed at enhancing community understanding of cancer and standardizing information dissemination.

As Nigeria strives to meet the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets for cervical cancer elimination by 2030, ongoing efforts include expanding screening services and improving access to treatment. The government has already initiated cervical cancer screening in Imo State, with plans for further expansion into other regions. However, funding remains a significant challenge, with calls for increased financial support to reach more vulnerable populations affected by cancer.