Nigeria introduces anti-cancer vaccine

Nigeria has announced the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, an anti-cancer vaccine into its national immunisation schedule for the year 2023 and 2024.

The country’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency’s chief executive, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, made the announcement on Wednesday during a quarterly review meeting with the South-East Traditional Rulers Committee on primary healthcare delivery in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

Represented by Dr Bassey Okposen Bassey, the agency’s Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr Shuaib said, “HPV is a commonly transmitted infection that can lead to various health issues, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.

He observed that the impact of HPV-related diseases is not only physical but also emotional, affecting individuals and families across our society.

Dr. Shuaib solicited for support from the traditional rulers in inspiring positive health seeking behaviour and combating misinformation among their subjects.

“We encourage our majesties to support and actively participate in immunisation activities, awareness creation, and community mobilisation efforts. Your influence and credibility can inspire positive health-seeking behaviour and promote preventive measures within your communities.

“Let us work together to combat misinformation, address vaccine hesitancy, and encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles.”

Declaring the event open, Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the deputy governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, said his government prioritises healthcare delivery and has adopted a bottom-up approach to guaranteeing a functional system.

The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr Walter Mulambo, on his part said data from the NPHCDA indicated that despite the improvement in immunisation coverage, children who missed vaccinations and have never received doses of routine immunisation, or “zero dose children,” still exist across the length and breadth of the country.

Also Speaking, the Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, lauded the initiative and promised to play their role as critical stakeholders in driving primary healthcare in the various communities.