The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has underscored the exceptional efficacy of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in preventing cervical cancer, emphasising that its administration in Nigeria remains voluntary.
The executive director of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib conveyed this information during a press briefing in Abuja.
The introduction of the HPV vaccine was scheduled to commence in 16 states, including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Enugu, FCT, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun and Taraba.
Cervical cancer, which develops in the cervix’s cells, is significantly influenced by various strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection.
Shuaib emphasized the vaccine’s potential to prevent over 90 per cent of HPV-related cancers, targeting the most common cancer-causing HPV strains.
While discussing the vaccine’s significance, he clarified that it is not mandatory, and no child will be compelled to receive it. He stressed the importance of providing accurate and truthful information about the vaccine to enable parents to make informed decisions, as they have done with past vaccines like COVID-19 and polio.
Over the past six months, the NPHCDA has actively promoted the use of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14, with the primary criterion being the specified age range rather than any considerations related to virginity. The agency has engaged with schools, communities, and traditional leaders to raise awareness and provide information about the vaccine.
Acknowledging concerns and scepticism surrounding vaccines, Shuaib emphasised the importance of listening to and addressing these concerns by offering the necessary information. He underlined that it is the role of scientists to provide information and support rather than ridicule or chastise those who express concerns.
The government is committed to collaborating with various stakeholders, including the media, community-based organisations, religious leaders, and traditional leaders, to ensure that accurate information about the HPV vaccine is widely available. Shuaib believes that by doing so, Nigerians will make informed decisions to protect their daughters from cervical cancer by opting for this powerful vaccine.
Addressing the issue, the deputy country representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Alexander Chimbaru highlighted the significance of introducing the HPV vaccine in Nigeria. He noted that the targeted age group for vaccination surpasses the typical under-five age range, necessitating cooperation from mothers, traditional healers, and the public. Chimbaru emphasised the importance of widespread support and involvement to ensure the vaccination campaign’s success.
Misinformation and disinformation surrounding the vaccine were addressed, with Chimbaru stressing the pivotal role of the media in providing accurate information and dispelling harmful rumours. Collaboration among various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, the private sector, government departments and the ministries of education and health, is essential for the successful implementation of the HPV vaccination programme.
Representing the UNICEF country representative in Nigeria, Dr. Edwardo Celades emphasised the importance of debunking misinformation, disinformation and rumours related to the HPV vaccine. He identified three primary reasons behind the spread of such rumors: lack of information, safety concerns, and a lack of trust.
To counter these rumours, Celades presented four critical facts. He highlighted the vaccine’s safety, as it has been successfully used in 24 African countries, as well as in Europe, the US and Australia. The vaccine has received approval and pre-qualification from reputable organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Furthermore, the vaccine has been proven effective in preventing cancer in young girls and women. Celades emphasised that the vaccine is a groundbreaking technology in public health, specifically designed to prevent cancer and not any other communicable disease.
