Nigeria’s HPV Vaccine Campaign Leaves Behind Internally Displaced Persons
In Nigeria, a country grappling with the challenges of cervical cancer, a significant obstacle stands in the way of protecting its most vulnerable populations: the exclusion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign. With over 1.3 million IDPs displaced by conflict and other crises, these individuals are frequently denied access to essential public health interventions, including the life-saving HPV vaccine.
Cervical cancer is a stark reality in Nigeria, where it is the second-most common cancer among women. In 2022, more than 13,500 women were diagnosed, resulting in over 7,000 deaths. The consequences of excluding IDPs and other underserved populations from the HPV vaccine campaign are dire, leading to higher rates of preventable cancers, increased healthcare costs, and the reinforcement of poverty and vulnerability.
Despite the recent integration of the HPV vaccine into Nigeria’s Routine Immunisation schedule for girls aged 9-14, the national campaign must extend to underserved groups, including those in IDP camps. Organizations like Ilera Initiative are making strides in advancing access to healthcare and HPV vaccination in underserved communities. In Abuja’s IDP camps, Ilera has built a clinic to serve over 10,000 displaced persons, providing weekly outreach and preventive health talks.
Tominke Christine Olaniyan, Founder of Ilera Initiative, emphasized the importance of inclusive vaccination programs, stating, "Between January and February 2025 alone, we have vaccinated over 100 girls against HPV, many of them from underserved and displaced communities. This shows what’s possible when access meets awareness. Every dose is a step closer to ending preventable cervical cancer."
The Education Plus initiative, led by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), also plays a crucial role in fostering awareness and creating enabling environments for young girls to access life-saving vaccines and services without stigma or barriers.
To eliminate cervical cancer and protect the most vulnerable, governments and NGOs must partner to prioritize HPV vaccination for displaced and underserved populations. Collaboration with local leaders, educators, and civil society organizations is essential to build trust and improve uptake. By ensuring that the HPV vaccine reaches girls in IDP camps and rural areas, we can close the gap in healthcare equity and give every girl a fair chance at a healthy future.
As Tominke Christine Olaniyan aptly put it, "Every dose is a step closer to ending preventable cervical cancer." It is time for Nigeria to take a collective effort to protect the next generation from preventable diseases, and it starts with inclusive and equitable access to the HPV vaccine.
