By Abiemwense Moru, NAN
Nigeria has a long history of vaccine controversies, and once again, a new controversy is brewing. Two decades ago, the country experienced widespread rejection of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) due to rumors that it was a Western creation aimed at rendering Africans impotent. The same skepticism and conspiracy theories have emerged recently with the COVID-19 vaccine. However, despite the resistance, those who have taken the vaccine are still alive and well.
The hesitancy towards vaccines is not unfounded in Nigeria. In 1996, Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical company, tested the effectiveness of its meningitis vaccine on hundreds of children in Kano State. Tragically, 11 children died as a result of the trial. After 15 years of legal battle, Pfizer was found guilty and had to compensate the families of the deceased children.
Now, as the Nigerian government and its development partners introduce the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, a similar resistance is emerging. Some parents are refusing to allow their female children aged between nine and 14 to receive the vaccine, despite assurances from the government about its safety and efficacy.
The skepticism surrounding the HPV vaccine has been amplified by a viral video in which a popular Abuja-based talk show presenter warns parents of the supposed dangers of the vaccine. Additionally, social media users have sarcastically suggested that those advocating for the vaccination should administer it to their own daughters first.
While some Nigerians question the safety of the vaccine, others who have lost loved ones to cervical cancer express regret that the vaccine was not available earlier. One woman, Angela Usi, shared the heartbreaking story of how her mother suffered for two years before succumbing to cervical cancer, robbing her of the opportunity to attend her daughter’s wedding. Usi appeals to parents to allow their children to receive the HPV vaccine to protect their lives.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are six licensed HPV vaccines, with high efficacy in preventing infection with the strains responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. The primary target group for vaccination is young adolescent girls, aged 9-14. The WHO recommends vaccination before sexual initiation to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Experts and key stakeholders involved in the rollout of the vaccine in Nigeria express optimism about its potential impact. Eduardo Celades, Chief of Health at UNICEF Nigeria, believes that the vaccine is a significant step towards improving data on young girls’ health. Emily Kobayashi, Head of the HPV Programme at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, emphasizes the importance of the vaccine in preventing cervical cancer, which disproportionately affects women in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
Despite the conspiracy theories and skepticism, grassroots efforts led by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) aim to dispel myths surrounding the HPV vaccine. CSOs engage communities, provide information, and address concerns without judgment, enabling informed decision-making.
The success of the HPV vaccination campaign in Nigeria hinges on effective mobilization, planning, and advocacy within communities. Parents must be reassured of the vaccine’s safety and encouraged to embrace it for the well-being of their daughters.
As Nigeria continues its mass immunization campaign, it remains crucial for the government, development partners, and CSOs to work together to ensure the success of the HPV vaccine in combating cervical cancer.
NANFeatures