The Federal Government has recently introduced the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine into Nigeria’s Extended Programme for Immunization (EPI) schedule phase 2, targeting children aged nine to fourteen years old. This initiative was announced during the National Engagement with EPI and non-EPI stakeholders in Abuja.

Ahmed Rufai, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, emphasized the importance of stakeholders utilizing their various media platforms to spread awareness about the HPV vaccine to young girls within the specified age group. He highlighted the severity of cervical cancer, referring to it as a silent killer with long-term effects, urging collective efforts to safeguard the health of women and girls.

Rufai also acknowledged the costliness of the vaccine and assured that the government is taking steps to ensure its availability and accessibility to the targeted demographic. By incorporating the HPV vaccine into the national immunization program, the government aims to enhance disease prevention and promote public health among children in Nigeria.