The Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) has taken a commendable step in intensifying public advocacy for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, a crucial initiative in the fight against cervical cancer. This comes as misinformation about vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, continues to spread, hindering public health efforts. Stakeholders must collaborate to sensitize the public on the critical role of vaccines in disease prevention, particularly as the global community marks World Immunisation Day today.

World Immunisation Day, observed annually on November 10, raises awareness about the benefits of vaccination and its efficacy in preventing diseases. The NGWF, after a retreat in Bauchi, pledged to increase public education on the importance of HPV vaccines to help curb the spread of cervical cancer in Nigeria.

Unfortunately, an ongoing national programme offering free HPV screening is facing resistance from some skeptical groups. These groups, often influenced by conspiracy theories, are preventing many from accessing life-saving immunisation. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 95 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV, a common viral infection that primarily affects the reproductive system.

HPV is a prevalent virus with about 100 types, and some strains can lead to cervical cancer, particularly in women. Nigeria has a population of about 60.9 million women at risk of developing this cancer, and the third most common cancer in the country is cervical cancer. Shockingly, in 2020 alone, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, reported that about 8,000 women in Nigeria died from cervical cancer, with over 12,000 new cases recorded that year.

The most effective method of preventing cervical cancer is through vaccination, particularly targeting girls aged nine to 14. In October, the Federal Government, in collaboration with partners such as GAVI, UNICEF, and WHO, launched a national immunisation campaign to administer the HPV vaccine to girls within this age range. Sadly, this vital public health initiative is undercut by unfounded conspiracy theories claiming that the vaccine is a Western ploy to sterilise young girls, creating unnecessary fear and “vaccine hesitancy.”

Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by falsehoods, has undermined previous immunisation campaigns, not only in Nigeria but globally. In Nigeria, it continues to obstruct the fight against preventable diseases like polio, diphtheria, measles, and COVID-19. According to the WHO, globally, 1.5 million children die each year from diseases that vaccines could easily prevent. Vaccine hesitancy is often driven by myths, misinformation, mistrust in healthcare systems, and safety concerns.

As part of World Immunisation Day activities, the government, healthcare professionals, and NGOs must increase public education about the benefits of vaccines, particularly the HPV vaccine. Organizations that promote anti-vaccine propaganda should be held accountable, as their actions endanger public health.

The NGWF’s commitment to increasing awareness and combatting misinformation is a crucial step in ensuring that more Nigerians understand the importance of vaccines. However, this effort requires sustained collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and communities to debunk myths and safeguard public health.