FIC Report (FCT) – The Federal Government has introduced Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine into Nigeria’s Extended Programme for Immunization EPI schedule phase 2 for children between nine to fourteen years old.
During the National Engagement with EPI and non-EPI stakeholders for the introduction of HPV in Abuja.
Ahmed Rufai , the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, National Primary Health Care Development Agency enjoined stakeholders to use their various media to disseminate the information to girls within age nine and fourteen years. “Take the message to your various networks to ensure our girls are safe, cervical cancer is a silent killer, the effect is not seen in one year and you never can tell who is next, let us work together to ensure the safety of women and girls”. Rufai stated that the vaccine is expensive and the government is giving it free for girls within that age range to keep them safe.
“The objective of the meeting was to sensitize the participants on the HPV disease burden in Nigeria and provide accurate information about the HPV Vaccine, its safety profile, benefits and rationale for its introduction amongst others”.
Aseeya Umar delivered the key message and actions on the HPV vaccine, stressing that over five million girls were vaccinated in 2023 which is the first stage.
“October last year, over five million girls were vaccinated in sixteen states. This year, we are introducing twenty one remaining states where HPV vaccine will be made a routine at health facilities”. She however expressed displeasure at the global shortage of the vaccine.
Obianuju Chukwukelu
Senior information officer
