- Gavi and partners celebrated vaccinating seven million Nigerian girls against HPV, significantly reducing cervical cancer risk in just two weeks
- HPV causes 70% of cervical cancers; Gavi’s campaign is a major milestone in Nigeria’s battle against this deadly disease
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and its partners have celebrated the vaccination of seven million Nigerian girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV) in just two weeks. HPV is known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 15 to 44. It claims the lives of about 22 women in Nigeria daily. The HPV vaccine offers a highly effective prevention method, with an average success rate of 92%.
In a statement released yesterday, Gavi hailed the vaccination campaign as a major breakthrough for girls’ health in Nigeria and a crucial step in protecting them from cervical cancer later in life. This achievement represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s battle against cervical cancer.
In October 2023, Gavi collaborated with the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, WHO, and UNICEF to introduce the HPV vaccine into the national immunization program. Further expanding its efforts, Gavi partnered with Girl Effect in May 2024 to disseminate vital information and ensure vaccine accessibility for girls.
By vaccinating seven million girls in just two weeks, Nigeria has made substantial progress toward its target of reaching 16 million girls by 2025. Dr. Sani Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, praised the collaboration between Gavi, the Nigerian government, and other partners, stating, “By prioritizing girls’ health, we are empowering a generation and helping to save countless lives.”
Discussion about this post