The Federal Government has announced its plans to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine on September 25, 2023, to prevent cervical cancer in women and girls. This decision was shared during a bi-annual review meeting of religious leaders on Primary Healthcare delivery in Abuja.
The vaccine will be administered to girls aged nine to fifteen, offering protection against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is linked to certain strains of the HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, and the vaccine has the potential to prevent over 90% of HPV-related cancers.
In Nigeria, strains 16 and 18 of HPV are responsible for nearly half of high-grade cervical pre-cancers. Approximately 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Nigeria each year, resulting in 7,968 deaths.
During the meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate, highlighted the importance of combining spiritual and scientific knowledge to address health challenges. He emphasized the government’s determination, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all Nigerians, calling on the faith community’s support in achieving these goals.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, urged religious leaders to promote awareness of the free HPV vaccination, dispel misconceptions, and encourage healthy behaviors within their congregations.
Both Sultan Abubakar III, President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, expressed their commitment to working alongside the government to improve healthcare and create a positive impact on communities. They acknowledged the significant influence religious leaders have on their congregants’ health-related decisions.
These efforts aim to enhance healthcare access and outcomes, especially in rural areas, by bridging spiritual and medical guidance to promote well-being.