How Nigeria’s Ministry of Education Is Driving Sustainable HPV Vaccination

Students with school leaders and the HAPPI team after an educational session on HPV vaccination. Credit: Richard Adupong, JSI

By: Richard Adupong

In Nigeria, efforts to combat cervical cancer through the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have gained momentum through the national HPV vaccine rollout that has resulted in over 12 million girls aged 12 to 18 being protected against cervical cancer. Vaccine acceptance is essential and it requires collaboration across various sectors, including health care, education, and local communities. The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) is taking steps to ensure sustainability of the HPV vaccination program with high coverage, and involvement of the Ministry of Education has been crucial in ensuring that students receive the protection they need.

Why HPV Vaccination Matters

HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide each year. In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, yet it is preventable for future generations through vaccination. The HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls ages 9 to 14, has the potential to save lives by preventing the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

While the vaccine is safe and effective, there are barriers to its widespread uptake, particularly in regions where misinformation and vaccine hesitancy prevail. Overcoming these challenges requires a concerted effort from local communities, health care workers, and government institutions—especially the Ministry of Education.

How the Ministry of Education Is Helping to Lead the Way

School-based HPV vaccination is a core delivery strategy toward reaching a high proportion of girls with HPV vaccination, and the role of education in public health is essential to the success of the programme. Schools are places for learning and also serve as hubs for health interventions. In Nigeria, the Ministry of Education, with support from the NPHCDA, is leading the way to ensure that HPV vaccination reaches the highest proportion of girls through school-based initiatives, recognizing that vaccinating girls in schools is a key strategy. At the same time, there are ongoing efforts by the NPHCDA and various stakeholders to reach girls who are not enrolled in school, ensuring no girl is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.

1. Leverages school networks for vaccine distribution: Schools provide an organized structure for distributing the HPV vaccine to adolescent girls. The Ministry of Education facilitates the collaboration between educational institutions and health care workers to ensure that schools become central points for vaccination campaigns. In areas where vaccine hesitancy is high, the Ministry helps implement education programs in schools to explain the benefits and safety of the HPV vaccine.
2. Engages teachers as health advocates: Teachers are often trusted figures within their communities, and their influence can significantly impact vaccine uptake. By training teachers on the importance of HPV vaccination and providing them with the necessary resources, the Ministry of Education empowers educators to act as health advocates. Teachers can speak directly to parents and students about the benefits of the vaccine, helping to dispel myths and encourage participation.
3. Collaborates with local health authorities: A key component of successful vaccination campaigns is strong collaboration between the Ministry of Education and local health authorities. In states like Plateau, health care workers and school staff work hand-in-hand to identify eligible students and ensure they receive their vaccine doses. This coordination is essential for creating a seamless vaccination process and addressing logistical challenges that arise.
4. Builds trust through communication: One of the biggest obstacles to vaccine acceptance is misinformation. The Ministry of Education helps to address this challenge by providing schools with accurate information about the HPV vaccine. They support schools in organizing health talks, distributing educational materials, and conducting follow-up meetings with parents. Clear, consistent communication is key to building trust in the vaccination program.

Afodia Yusuf: A Local Hero’s Impact

The efforts of Afodia Yusuf, a school principal in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, exemplify how the Ministry of Education’s strategy is being realized on the ground. As a passionate advocate for public health and education, Afodia has been instrumental in ensuring that girls at her school are vaccinated against HPV.

Afodia has worked closely with health care professionals, written letters to parents, and made follow-up calls to ensure that girls in her school receive the vaccine. Her efforts have led to an increase in vaccination rates in her school and also contributed to a broader community awareness campaign. As a result of her leadership, more than 6,000 girls in Jos South have been vaccinated—nearly double the target set for the region.

Lessons Learned and Future Opportunities

The success of the HPV vaccination campaign in Plateau State offers the following valuable lessons for other regions across Nigeria:

• Involve the community: Successful vaccine uptake requires the active involvement of local leaders, teachers, parents, and health care workers.
• Educate and communicate: Providing clear, reliable information is essential to dispelling myths and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
• Collaborate: Strong coordination among the Ministry of Education, health agencies, and schools is vital for ensuring that the vaccination campaign is effective and reaches its target audience.

The efforts of the Ministry of Education, alongside local champions like Afodia Yusuf, have laid a solid foundation for a healthier future for Nigeria’s girls. With continued support and collaboration, the HPV vaccine can protect countless lives and prevent cervical cancer in the years to come.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Education’s involvement in the HPV vaccination campaign is a shining example of the power of collaboration between the education and health sectors. As Nigeria continues to scale its vaccination efforts, it’s essential to build on the successes in Plateau State and other states. Teachers, local leaders, and parents must continue to work together to ensure that every eligible girl receives the HPV vaccine, ultimately protecting future generations from cervical cancer.