A Leader’s Promise: Protecting Nigeria’s Girls from Cervical Cancer

JSI and partner staff with health care workers, including a nurse (second and fourth from left), after administering HPV vaccinations to students. Credit: Richard Adupong, JSI

By Richard Adupong

On a typical afternoon in Topp Rayfield, Nigeria, Michael Nyam Sila’s niece rushed into his house, her eyes wide with worry. “Uncle Michael,” she cried, “I saw something on social media about the HPV vaccine. They say it’s dangerous. Should I take it?”

Michael, the dabajei (ward head) of Topp Rayfield, was no stranger to his community’s fears and misconceptions surrounding vaccination campaigns. For years, he had seen the havoc misinformation could wreak. But this time, it was different. The HPV vaccine, which protects girls from cervical cancer, had arrived in Nigeria, and his niece was eligible to receive it. Having witnessed the heartbreaking loss of many women to cervical cancer, Michael became a passionate advocate for the HPV vaccine, determined to protect the next generation from this preventable disease. According to UNICEF, cervical cancer killed 8,000 women in Nigeria in 2020 with 12,000 new cases, making it the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women 15 to 44 years of age.

I knew I had to act fast,” Michael recalls. “I couldn’t let my niece, or anyone else in the community, fall prey to lies.”

Growing up in Topp Rayfield, Michael had witnessed many vaccination campaigns, but he knew that the biggest barrier was always the fear of the unknown. Social media posts, often filled with false claims, have made it harder to convince people to trust in the safety and benefits of vaccines. But Michael had earned the trust of his community over his 12 years as a leader, and he wasn’t about to let rumors shake that trust.

“Those posts are lies,” Michael told his niece. “I know the vaccine is safe, and I will ensure you get it.”

Michael’s niece felt comforted by this assurance, but Michael knew that convincing her was just the beginning. “I needed to speak with her parents next,” he said. “I did, and we agreed that she would go for the vaccine. Today, she is safe, healthy, and continuing her education.”

Michael’s mission didn’t stop there. He knew the success of any HPV vaccination campaign relies on community-wide trust. As a leader, he had a responsibility to guide his community, a diverse mix of Christians and Muslims, through this health challenge, as he had many times before.

He quickly rallied other community leaders and religious figures to join him in addressing the concerns of community members. “We work together because we know that anything related to health must be tackled as one,” Michael explains. “We go to the churches, the mosques, and we speak directly to the parents, ensuring they understand the importance of protecting their girls.”

Michael didn’t just talk the talk—he walked the walk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many were wary of vaccination, he used his personal experience as proof. “I told the people that I had been vaccinated and nothing happened to me,” he recalls. “With their trust in me, they followed my example.”

The fight against misinformation, however, is ongoing. Michael acknowledges that it’s a constant battle, especially in the age of social media. “We face many challenges. There are skeptics, but we continue to educate, engage, and show the truth. Every girl in my community deserves to be protected,” he says with unwavering conviction.

As part of his efforts, Michael has worked tirelessly with local health care workers and school administrators to ensure that every eligible child is vaccinated. “We go to schools, talk to the heads, and make sure every child gets the vaccine they need to stay safe,” he says. “We are protecting the future of our community, and these children are the leaders of tomorrow.”

Michael’s leadership has contributed significantly to the success of Nigeria’s HPV vaccination campaign. He collaborates with the HPV Vaccine Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI) project, which supports his efforts by providing or arranging the necessary logistical and technical support, including educational materials, and connecting him with health care workers for community mobilization, education, and vaccination activities. Through the HAPPI project, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented in Nigeria by JSI and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, over 12 million girls have been vaccinated across the country. Michael’s efforts in Topp Rayfield have been instrumental in reaching a higher percentage of girls in his area.

For him, this work isn’t just about vaccines; it’s about his promise to his community. As he reflects on his journey, Michael’s voice carries both the weight of his responsibility and hope for a healthier future. “I want to ensure that the next generation is healthy, safe, and ready to lead. And I will continue to fight for them every step of the way.”