The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has approved the use of HPV vaccine as single dose in the routine immunization against cervical cancer, beginning from the last quarter of 2023 with the national launch on 24th October. During a joint meeting alongside the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the agencies agreed that the deployment of HPV vaccine can provide solid protection against cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus. The HPV vaccine which is giving in two or three doses is recommended for girls and boys within 11 and 12 years but can be administered as early as 9 years or as late as 26 years.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has secured six million doses of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine to protect teenage girls against cervical cancer and other related diseases.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, made this known at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr Shuaib said a single dose of the Gardasil HPV vaccine has been approved for rollout to prevent infection and reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
He said the agency in close collaboration with other partners has diligently executed a comprehensive plan to introduce the HPV vaccine.
“We have bolstered the capabilities of our frontline healthcare workers, ensuring they are adept in administering the vaccine,” he said.
“Alongside our partners and donors, we have secured over six million doses of the HPV vaccine and essential supplies.”
Speaking on the vaccine rollout Mr Shuaib said the vital vaccine introduction would occur in two phases.
He said in each phase, the agency will initiate a five-day campaign encompassing schools, communities, markets, government-owned health facilities, and other public places, targeting girls aged nine to 14.
“Subsequently, we will continue routine vaccination within health facilities for the same age group. By 2025, we anticipate transitioning to full routine immunisation with the HPV vaccine, focusing on girls aged nine,” he added.
He said the first phase will encompass 16 states, including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The second phase is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 and will encompass the remaining states: Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara,” he added.
