Expanded Program on Immunization now includes HPV vaccine for girls aged 9-14 years in Nigeria.

Routinization of HPV Vaccine in Niger State, Nigeria.

Larry

The Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine was rolled out on 27th-31st May 2024, in 21implementing Phase 2 States across the country.

This effort from the federal government of Nigeria was in a bid to eradicate cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among Nigerian women after breast cancer.

In Niger State Nigeria, the HPV Vaccine Champions, led by Gabriel Adewale Olarewaju (Master Trainer), got involved in sensitization and mobilization activities across Chanchaga LGA in the state to get eligible girls within the age of 9-14 years vaccinated against HPV.

The sensitization and mobilization activity that immensely supported the Advocacy, Community and Social Mobilization(ACSM) structure in Niger State birthed a huge result as Niger State was able to have 101% coverage, with third position among the other 20 implementing States in Nigeria.

This effort was made possible in partnership with the International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC), Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Women Advocate for Vaccine Access (WAVA) and Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care (NSMPHC) with funding from Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI), through John Hopkins.

The HPV vaccine has now been routinized into the Routine Immunization Schedule across the country. Girls within the age of 9-14yrs can now visit the nearest health facility to get vaccinated against the deadly virus.

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