The Federal Government announced its intention to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine on September 25, 2023, aimed at preventing cervical cancer among women and girls.
This decision was revealed during a bi-annual review meeting with religious leaders in Abuja, where the government emphasized the significance of administering the HPV vaccine to girls aged nine to fifteen as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer, a condition affecting the cervix’s cells, is closely linked to various strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. It was highlighted that the HPV vaccine has the potential to avert over 90% of HPV-related cancers.
Notably, the World Health Organization identified that in Nigeria, the HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly half of high-grade cervical pre-cancers.
Tragically, around 14,000 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, leading to approximately 7,968 deaths each year.
During the review meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate, represented by Dr.
Emmanuel Odu, the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, acknowledged the valuable contribution of faith-based communities to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of blending spiritual beliefs with scientific knowledge to effectively tackle health challenges.
Dr. Pate affirmed the government’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability for all citizens, seeking the support of religious leaders to foster community trust in health interventions.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, called upon religious leaders to aid in raising awareness about the free HPV vaccination among their congregations.
He urged them to dispel misconceptions, encourage healthier behaviors, and advocate for the HPV vaccine, highlighting its role in preventing cervical cancer.
Sultan Abubakar III, President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, emphasized the need to address food security as a fundamental aspect of public health.
He expressed hope that collective efforts would lead to positive outcomes and urged self-reliance alongside trust in divine intervention.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, represented by Rev. Joseph, welcomed the attention given to primary healthcare.
He emphasized the pivotal role of religious leaders in influencing their followers’ health decisions, commending the collaboration between religious institutions and the government to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.
