The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) says it is set to roll out the second phase of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 21 states.

Phase one covered Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, FCT, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo and Taraba.

Rufai Garba, director, disease control and immunisation, NPHCDA, said this in Abuja on Friday during a one-day sensitisation meeting with women religious groups, including the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against infections by certain strains of HPV, which can lead to various health issues, including genital warts, cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancers.

The vaccine is most effective when administered before individuals become sexually active; it is typically recommended for preteens around ages 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age nine and up to age 26.

It is part of public health efforts to reduce the prevalence of HPV-related diseases.

There has been pushback by anti-vaccine elements who discourage parents from consenting to the vaccine being administered to their daughters.

Mr Garba said the second phase of vaccine implementation would cover Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

He expressed optimism about the public’s cooperation in the face of the resistance the initial phase received from anti-vaccine groups.

“These groups disseminated misinformation, including quality videos aimed at discouraging vaccination,” he said.

Despite these challenges, he said the country had adequate vaccine supplies and had begun distributing them to states, with the rollout scheduled to start on May 27, 2024.

He emphasised the importance of preemptive public sensitisation to checkmate misinformation, drawing lessons from past experiences with polio vaccine resistance.

Mr Garba said the government was committed to robustness and urged journalists to help ensure accurate information reached the public.

He said that every nine to 14-year-old girl deserved protection, adding that the HPV vaccine shields them from common strains of HPV that could lead to cervical cancer.

The NPHCDA, in collaboration with Girl Effect Nigeria, organised the one-day sensitisation meeting.

(NAN)