Nigeria has introduced the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation system to vaccinate 7.7 million girls against cervical cancer.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated this in a press release issued Tuesday in Abuja.
“In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44 years. In 2020, the latest year for which data is available, the country recorded 12, 000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.
The Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the loss of about 8,000 Nigerian women yearly from a disease that is preventable is completely unacceptable.
“Cervical cancer is mostly caused by HPV, and parents can avoid physical and financial pain by protecting their children with a single dose of the vaccine.
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, said, “This is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to lower the burden of cervical cancer, one of the few cancers which can potentially be eliminated through vaccination.
“We’re committed to supporting the government increase access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women.”