Nigeria on Tuesday introduced the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) into its routine immunisation system, as part of efforts to protect teenage girls against cervical cancer and other related diseases.
PremiumTimes reported that this was disclosed in a joint statement issued by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“We are committed to supporting the government to increase access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women,” he said.
The statement indicated that the Nigerian government aims to reach seven point seven million girls with life-saving vaccines, the largest number in a single round of Human Papillomavirus vaccination in the African region.
Mr Maphosa said it also disproportionately impacts the lives of women. “And yet, it is a disease that can be prevented.”
“With the HPV vaccine now available in Nigeria for eligible adolescent girls at no cost, communities now have the most effective tool to fight cervical cancer, and the nation has an opportunity, collectively, to save millions of lives,” he said.
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