PUNCH EDITORIAL BOARD
THE resolve on Tuesday by the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum to intensify its public advocacy on the Human Papillomavirus vaccines is a welcome initiative in combating cervical cancer, and overcoming public resistance to immunisation. Despite the many deadly diseases ravaging the country and globally, some groups and individuals continue to disseminate misinformation about vaccination, including the ongoing national HPV immunisation programme. There should be a sustained collaboration by all stakeholders to continually sensitise Nigerians on the value of vaccination.
As the global community commemorates the 2023 World Immunisation Day today, it is another opportunity to drive home the need for continuous vaccination in the country. The United Nations had set aside November 10 each year to spread awareness on the benefits of vaccination and its efficacy in preventing diseases.
The NGWF, rising from its retreat held in Bauchi, resolved to intensify public sensitisation to the HPV vaccine to combat the spread of cervical cancer.
Sadly, an ongoing national programme offering free HPV screening to Nigerian women is being subverted by sceptical groups and individuals, some of whom also peddle conspiracy theories.
Such attitudes often prove counter-productive, even deadly, as they deprive millions who shun immunisation of protection from some deadly diseases. For instance, World Health Organisation data indicates that over 95 per cent of cervical cancer cases are due to HPV, the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract.
HPV is a common virus with about 100 types, explains the WHO; about 30 of these strains are sexually transmitted, and affect the genitals. Some lead to cervical cancer in women. According to the International Institute for Research on Cancer, Nigeria has a population of 60.9 million women aged 15 to 19 that are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
UNICEF said, “In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44 years.” In 2020, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, estimated that no fewer than 8,000 deaths resulted from the 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer reported in Nigeria.
Experts say the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine. Last month, the vaccine was provided through a partnership by the Federal Government with support from GAVI, UNICEF, and the WHO. The programme provides routine immunisation for girls aged between nine and 14.
Tragically, these efforts are being stymied by conspiracy theories spun by misinformed persons. The insidious propaganda paints the vaccine as a sinister Western plan to sterilise young girls. This is patently false.
Such concoctions resulting in “vaccine hesitancy” sabotaged previous immunisation schemes nationally and globally. It presents a growing challenge for countries like Nigeria seeking to close the immunisation gap.
