In a critical appeal, **Sydani Group**, a management consulting firm, has urged the Nigerian government and key stakeholders to collaborate in promoting the acceptance of the **Human Papillomavirus (HPV)** vaccine as a vital strategy to combat cervical cancer in the country.
This call to action came through a press statement released on **Wednesday**, signed by **Grace Erekosima**, the Project Lead at Sydani Group. The statement underscores the urgency of addressing cervical cancer, which ranks as the third most prevalent cancer among women in Nigeria. The **United Nations** has identified it as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged **15 to 44 years**. In **2020**, Nigeria reported **12,000 new cases** and **8,000 deaths** attributed to cervical cancer.
**HPV** is recognized as the most common viral infection affecting the reproductive tract, primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Many individuals become infected shortly after they begin sexual activity. The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent infections from certain types of the virus, potentially preventing more than **90%** of cancers linked to HPV.
In the statement, Sydani Group highlighted the critical importance of vaccination against HPV, alongside screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions, as effective, cost-efficient measures for preventing cervical cancer. They pointed out the alarming statistics related to the disease and the urgent need for intervention.
To combat this pressing health issue, the **Federal Government of Nigeria**, in collaboration with the **National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)**, has initiated the rollout of the HPV vaccine as part of the country’s routine immunization schedule. This effort is supported by **Gavi** and other partners, including Sydani Group.
On **October 24, 2023**, the government launched the first phase of the HPV vaccine rollout, aiming to reach over **seven million girls** aged **9 to 14 years**. This initiative represents the largest single round of HPV vaccination efforts in the African region.
The initial phase of the rollout covered **16 states**, including **Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Taraba**, and the **Federal Capital Territory**. The nationwide introduction seeks to protect young girls from HPV before they are potentially exposed to the virus.
Following the initial phase, the second phase of the rollout commenced on **May 27, 2024**, expanding to include **Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe**, and **Zamfara**.
Sydani Group emphasized the significant role stakeholders play in advocating for the vaccine’s rollout. They noted the efforts of traditional leaders, such as **Alhaji Isa Idris**, the Chief of Jiwa, who mobilized communities to prepare for the vaccine’s introduction. The **National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools** in **Benue State** has also been instrumental in disseminating information about the vaccine, highlighting its importance for safeguarding adolescent girls.
“This collective effort at both the governmental and grassroots levels is essential to achieving widespread acceptance of the vaccine,” the statement read. Despite some initial hesitancy primarily due to misinformation, advocacy visits and community engagement have considerably improved acceptance rates. These initiatives aim to address public concerns and ensure that the target population of girls aged **9 to 14** receives the necessary vaccinations.
As the HPV vaccine becomes integrated into routine immunization efforts, stakeholders are encouraged to enhance their advocacy. By partnering with key organizations like Sydani Group, the NPHCDA, and state governments, Nigeria is making significant progress in the fight against cervical cancer, improving public health outcomes for future generations.
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