Overview

Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of cervical cancer in the world, with more than 12,000 deaths each year. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for over 95% of these cases. In October 2023, Nigeria launched its first-ever nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, reaching millions of adolescent girls. However, sustaining vaccine delivery beyond the initial rollout remains a significant challenge.

To address this, MSH is supporting Nigeria through a strategic, evidence-informed technical advocacy initiative. Funded by the Gates Foundation, the project aims to generate and apply local evidence to strengthen the planning, implementation, and sustainability of HPV vaccine delivery. It focuses on equipping key stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels with the data and tools needed to drive policy and programmatic changes in Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos states.

Through a collaborative, government-led approach, the project:

• Strengthens coordination and planning mechanisms for HPV vaccine introduction
• Supports context-sensitive, costed operational microplanning across states
• Uses modeling and data analysis to guide national and subnational decision-making
• Builds political commitment for long-term HPV vaccine financing and coverage