Introduction

Nigeria has achieved a major milestone in its cervical cancer prevention efforts by vaccinating over 18 million girls against human papillomavirus, representing about 76 per cent of the target population. The national drive, led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, signals a strong commitment to eliminating a disease that claims thousands of Nigerian women annually.

What Happened

The Federal Government announced the vaccination of more than 18 million girls at a strategic policy roundtable in Abuja organised by MSD and Africa Health Business. Since introducing the HPV vaccine into the routine immunisation programme in October 2023, Nigeria expanded coverage from an initial 7.7 million girls in the first phase to a nationwide rollout supported by Gavi, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. The initiative targets girls aged nine to 14, with the vaccine provided free at public health facilities.

  • Over 18 million girls vaccinated, covering roughly 76 per cent of the target population since the HPV vaccine was introduced in October 2023.
  • The national programme began with a phase targeting 7.7 million girls aged nine to 14, supported by Gavi, UNICEF and WHO.
  • Cervical cancer claims about 12000 new cases and nearly 8000 lives annually in Nigeria, according to NPHCDA data.
  • Gaps remain in screening access, early diagnosis and treatment, particularly for indigent patients and those in underserved regions.
  • The government is expanding school-based vaccination, outreach campaigns and cold-chain infrastructure, including solar-powered equipment at primary health centres.

Why This Matters

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, where an estimated 13676 new cases and 7093 deaths were recorded in 2023 alone. Health experts emphasize that vaccination alone is not enough; sustained screening, early diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to reversing the trend. The World Health Organization's 90-70-90 elimination strategy sets ambitious targets: 90 per cent of girls fully vaccinated by age 15, 70 per cent of women screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90 per cent of those with pre-cancer or invasive cancer receiving appropriate care. Nigeria's current 76 per cent coverage is a strong start, but closing the gap is critical to meeting the 2030 goal and preventing thousands of preventable deaths each year.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 18 million girls vaccinated, covering roughly 76 per cent of the target population since the HPV vaccine was introduced in October 2023.
  • The national programme began with a phase targeting 7.7 million girls aged nine to 14, supported by Gavi, UNICEF and WHO.
  • Cervical cancer claims about 12000 new cases and nearly 8000 lives annually in Nigeria, according to NPHCDA data.
  • Gaps remain in screening access, early diagnosis and treatment, particularly for indigent patients and those in underserved regions.
  • The government is expanding school-based vaccination, outreach campaigns and cold-chain infrastructure, including solar-powered equipment at primary health centres.
  • Private-sector players, including MSD, are being called upon to help bridge access gaps, invest in infrastructure and support integration of vaccination with maternal and reproductive health services.
  • Journalists and civil society are urged to monitor private facilities to ensure free vaccines are not sold, as the NPHCDA lacks enforcement power but can withdraw supplies from non-compliant centres.

Conclusion

Nigeria's massive HPV vaccination drive represents a pivotal step toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat. Sustaining momentum will require closing coverage gaps, expanding screening and treatment infrastructure, and fostering stronger collaboration between public agencies, private partners and communities. With continued investment and coordinated action, the country can move closer to the WHO's 2030 targets and spare thousands of Nigerian families the burden of a largely preventable disease.