- First, I would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for supporting the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to make this life-saving vaccine- Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, available to our girls.
- I would like to recognize the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, our traditional and religious leaders, our and invaluable contributions of our development partners whose effort has turned this vision into a reality.
- It is an honor to address the nation on the HPV vaccine roll out in Nigeria, and I thank each one of you for gracing this occasion with your presence. I stand before you today with a profound sense of optimism as we embark on a journey that holds immense promise for the health and well-being of our girls.
- The Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a global health concern that is responsible for approximately 95% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. In Nigeria, the impact of the Human Papillomavirus is sobering. Over 56 million women aged 15 and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Every year, 12,075 women in our country are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 7,968 lose their lives to this devastating disease. Cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among Nigerian women, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 44.
- Approximately 3.5% of women in the general population are estimated to harbor cervical HPV types 16 and 18 infections at any given time. These two strains of the virus cause an almost 7/10 cases of invasive cervical cancer in our population. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, these are not just numbers; these are our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends.
- It is imperative that we act swiftly to address this pressing issue. Fortunate, we have an effective intervention that can effectively prevent this burden of disease and deaths. The introduction of the HPV vaccine into our routine immunization schedule is a monumental and necessary step towards the prevention of this devastating disease.
- I am pleased to announce that Nigeria is taking a decisive step in this direction. We have set a date, October 24, 2023, for the commencement of the HPV vaccine rollout in phases. Phase 1 states start immediately, and we are planning for phase 2 states in Q1 2024. This is a momentous occasion that underlines our commitment to the health and well-being of our nation’s women. With this introduction, we aim to provide protection to the most vulnerable among us and strive to reduce the burden of cervical cancer.
- I call upon all stakeholders – healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, parents, and community leaders – to join hands with us in this noble endeavour. Together, we can ensure that every eligible girl, between the ages of 9-14, receives the HPV vaccine, and we can create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a pervasive threat to our women.
- I want to assure you that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is fully committed to providing the necessary resources, guidance, and technical expertise to facilitate the successful rollout of the HPV vaccine. We will be working hand in hand with states and stakeholders, drawing on their invaluable knowledge and expertise to ensure that no girl is left behind.
- I want to appreciate you for your presence here today and for your dedication to the well-being of our citizens. Together, we can make history by eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat in Nigeria and protect our daughters, our sisters, and our mothers from the suffering caused by this preventable disease.
- I also want to thank my colleagues at the NPHCDA, and specifically my predecessor, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, for the dedication and work that has gone into making today a reality.
- In conclusion, the introduction of the HPV vaccine into our routine immunization schedule is a giant leap towards a healthier and brighter future for our nation. Let us stand united in our mission to protect our women from this silent but deadly adversary. Together, we can make a difference, save lives, and secure a healthier future for Nigeria.
- Thank you, may your efforts be blessed, and may we embark on this journey together with determination, compassion, and the unwavering belief that we can create a healthier, brighter future for Nigeria.
- God bless you all and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
