The Human Papillon Virus (HPV) vaccine for the prevention of Cervical Cancer phrase 2 will be introduced in 21 states in Nigeria, the director of Diseases Control and Immunization, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr.Ahmed Rufai, has said.
He spoke in Abuja Thursday during one- day advocacy and sensitisation meeting with EPI and Non-EPI stakeholders on the introduction of HPV into Nigeria, EPI schedule Phase 2 in 21 states.
It was supported by UNICEF, WHO and Gavi.
He said the states where the vaccine will be introduced are, Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobo, and Zamfara.
Dr Rufai urged stakeholders to give out right information about the HPV vaccine to the people and stop spreading wrong information.
He added that awareness should be created in the church, mosque and schools about the vaccine because it is a multi age cohort campaign for girls age 9-14 years.
“About 8,000 women die yearly from cervical cancer in Nigeria, all hands must be on deck to reduce the death rate among girls and women generally,” he stated.
