Phase II of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exercise is set to be implemented in twenty-one states of the federation, commencing on the 27th of May, 2024.

This information was disclosed in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of a meeting held by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The communiqué, signed by the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlighted that the forum received a comprehensive update on the progress of the vaccination exercise from Dr Ahmad Abdulwahab, the Senior Health Advisor.

The briefing covered various aspects, including the expansion of health insurance coverage, advancements in nutrition, and the Primary Healthcare (PHC) Leadership Challenge.

Notably, the Nigerian government had initiated the integration of the HPV vaccine into the national health system in October 2023, with the aim of immunizing 7.7 million adolescent girls aged 9-14. Spearheaded by the Nigeria Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), this launch will play a crucial role in accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health concern in Nigeria.