By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and development partners, has announced an intensified Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program to boost immunization coverage in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs).
According to an official statement dated March 19, 2025, the vaccination exercise will run from Wednesday, March 26, to Friday, April 4, 2025, targeting girls aged nine and above. The HPV vaccine, introduced into Nigeria’s Routine Immunization (RI) schedule in September 2023, was initially administered to girls aged 9–14 years and is now being expanded to reach more eligible children.
This initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to combat cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by persistent high-risk HPV infections. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted viral disease globally and, while many infections resolve naturally within one to two years, certain strains can lead to severe health complications, including cancer.
The intensified vaccination campaign will take place in the following LGAs:
Agege, Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, and Somolu.
Vaccination teams will be deployed to health centers, hospitals, schools, churches, mosques, markets, and other public locations to ensure maximum coverage.
The Lagos State Government is urging parents, guardians, and school authorities to cooperate with vaccination teams to facilitate smooth implementation.
For further inquiries, residents can contact the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board via email at lsphcboard2010@yahoo.com or call 08183310819.