“We’re committed to supporting the government increase in access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women.”

The second phase of the vaccination introduction is set to begin in May 2024 in an additional 21 states.

‘Profound loss and devastation’

“Every day, cervical cancer inflicts profound loss and devastation on families across Nigeria,” said Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi.

“And yet, it is a disease that can be prevented. With the HPV vaccine now available in Nigeria for eligible adolescent girls at no cost, communities now have the most effective tool to fight cervical cancer and the nation has an opportunity, collectively, to save millions of lives.”

The vaccine is being provided for free by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners.

WHO recommends that HPV vaccination be included in the national immunisation programmes of countries where cervical cancer is a public health priority, where it is cost-effective, and where sustainable implementation is feasible. As such, Nigeria has prioritised the addition of the vaccine to the country’s routine immunisation schedule.

Easing shortages

While global supply shortages have slowed Gavi-supported vaccine introductions in the past, supply issues are beginning to ease thanks to years of market shaping efforts to develop a more robust HPV vaccine market and WHO’s single dose recommendation. 

Recognizing this critical opportunity to reach more girls and accelerate efforts to prevent cervical cancer, the Gavi board approved the revitalization of its HPV vaccine programme with an investment of over $600 million by end of 2025.

With the additional funding, Gavi and its partners have set an ambitious goal to reach over 86 million girls by 2025, aiming to avert over 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer. To support these efforts, Gavi is co-financing the cost of the vaccines and providing technical support for the introduction.

‘Life-saving intervention’

UNICEF, meanwhile, has procured nearly 15 million HPV vaccines on behalf of the Government of Nigeria and has produced informational materials, including radio and TV jingles in multiple local languages to help dispel misinformation around HPV vaccinations.