The Nigerian government has announced that it will commence the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for women and girls from September 25th, 2023, as a measure to prevent the development of cervical cancer.

The announcement was made during a biannual meeting of religious leaders on primary healthcare delivery in Abuja.

Cervical cancer is a disease that affects the cells of the cervix and is primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.

The HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers.