Sokoto and UNICEF Ramp Up HPV Vaccination Campaign to Combat Cervical Cancer Among Adolescent Girls

In a significant push to curb cervical cancer cases, the Sokoto State Government, in partnership with UNICEF and backed by the Canadian Government, has intensified advocacy efforts to boost Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among young girls aged 9 to 14.

State Commitment to HPV Vaccination

During a recent stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Sokoto, Dr. Bilyaminu Sifawa, Director of Disease Control and Immunization in the state, reaffirmed Sokoto’s dedication to integrating HPV vaccination into routine immunization programs. “HPV is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Nigerian women, after breast cancer,” he emphasized.

Dr. Sifawa highlighted that the vaccine rollout, which began in 2023, initially faced skepticism. However, through targeted community engagement—including collaborations with traditional and religious leaders—acceptance has significantly improved. “The vaccine is safe, free, and highly effective in preventing cervical cancer,” he assured.

Community Mobilization Drives Success

By incorporating the HPV vaccine into broader health initiatives like the Big Catch-Up (BCU) and Maternal, Newborn, Child Health Week (MNCH), Sokoto has seen a notable increase in immunization rates. “Parents now recognize the value of vaccination, leading to higher compliance and fewer vaccine-preventable diseases,” Dr. Sifawa added.

Youth-Led Advocacy for Greater Impact

Dr. Danjuma Nehemiah, UNICEF’s Health Specialist for Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health, explained that the engagement aimed to leverage youth leadership to address low vaccine coverage in certain areas. “We trained adolescent leaders in Abuja to spearhead awareness campaigns in their communities,” he said.

He stressed the importance of early vaccination, noting that administering the HPV vaccine before sexual exposure maximizes its effectiveness. “Globally, this vaccine has proven safe and successful. Now, Nigerian girls can access it for free as part of routine immunization,” Dr. Nehemiah stated.

A Model for Other States

With sustained collaboration among government agencies, civil society groups, and health workers, Sokoto is positioning itself as a leader in cervical cancer prevention. Experts believe that continued investment in awareness and accessibility could set a benchmark for other Nigerian states.

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