Nigeria Achieves 78% Vaccination Coverage in 12 States, Reveals Official

The government’s objective is to vaccinate 80% of girls within the target demographic in the designated pilot states against cervical cancer and HPV-related diseases.

Dr. Urang highlighted that Taraba has achieved the highest immunization coverage at 98% since the program’s commencement on October 24, while Lagos State currently has the lowest coverage at 31%.

He described HPV as a virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact, potentially leading to genital infections or malignancies such as cervical cancer. There are over 170 types of HPV, with 12 classified as carcinogenic, and it predominantly spreads through sexual contact.

Referring to WHO statistics, Dr. Urang stated that Nigeria records over 12,000 new cervical cancer cases and nearly 8,000 deaths annually, making it the second most common cancer among women in the country.

He noted, “Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and over 31 million deaths annually.”

“Nigeria has a population of 56.2 million women aged 15 years and older at risk of developing cervical cancer,” he added. “Every year, 12,075 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 7,968 die from the disease. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in Nigeria and the second most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age.”

Dr. Urang urged parents and guardians to ensure their daughters receive the free HPV vaccinations within the ideal 9-14 age bracket. He also addressed concerns about adverse effects, reassuring that there have been no reported complications post-immunization.

NAN