Bauchi inaugurates state technical working group for HPV vaccine introduction, targets girls aged 9-15

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Group photograph of members of the TWG on HPVV introduction 

By Akanji Alowoludo, Bauchi

Ahead of formal introduction of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine into the immunization rounds of the state to fight cervical cancer among women of reproductive age, Bauchi State Government has inaugurated  members of the State Technical Working Group (STWG).

Recall that sometimes this year, the Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NAPHCDA) conducted an assessment to understand the level of the spread of cervical cancer mostly found in women of reproductive age. 

This was why, with support from Gavi, Nigeria plans to introduce the HPV vaccine nationwide using a phased approach to sustain the country’s focus on reducing morbidity and mortality rate due to the high burden of cervical cancer and the weak secondary and tertiary platforms to manage and treat cases.

Speaking during the inauguration of STWG members at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed said that all arrangements are set for the introduction of the new vaccine that has the capacity to provide maximum protection against women related STD diseases.

According to Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of viruses that do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer. 

He explained that HPV affects the skin and There are more than 100 different types and the most dreaded one that is most common in Nigeria’s environment is called cervical cancer. 

In his presentation, giving the update on the disease, Program Manager, State Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (SERICC), Dr Jibreel Omar Muhammad who is also the Director Planning Research and Statistics said that 19% of women initiate sexual intercourse by age 15 which increases risk of HPV infection according to NDHS report, 2018.

Explaining the strategies for targeted groups, Dr Muhammad said that, only girls of 9 years will be targeted in the fixed health facilities according to plans for 2025. 

Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, EC, BASPHCDA 

Also, those girls aged 9 -14 whom were missed during the campaigns will be eligible to get the vaccines from the health facilities closest to them based on the global guidance on single dose, and vaccine availability of Gardasil. 

Areas that are to be targeted audience is that emphasis and special focus will be on girl child, 9-14 years, In-school

and out-of-school, special population settings (HTR, urban slums, security compromised, IDP camps, fragile settings, difficult terrains), and significant considerations will also be on special population groups (immunocompromised, special needs children, disabled). 

Bauchi State is fortunate to be in the 16 states who were designed to fall in phase one category and the key criteria for HPVV phase approach include – level of risk of cervical cancer disease. 

Some of the indicators to be used are: Mean age at sexual contact, percentage of teenage pregnancy, mean number of sexual partners in a lifetime, STI prevalence in the last 12 months,

percentage of male circumcision and HIV prevalence. 

Others are Cold chain capacity of a target area, as well as Penta3 coverage for admin and survey (NDHS, 2018).

Another factors that resulted over increasing demand for HPVV introduction is lack of access and limited platform for vaccination of adolescents hence the need for HPV Vaccine introduction. 

Noted that about 80% of cervical cancer cases present with advanced disease

and also about 80% will die when clinical disease is discovered in advanced stage of which 80% will not have access to preventive services,. Dr Jibreel hinted 

Dr Muhammad also revealed that the World Health Organization in 2020 noted that number of new cancer cases in females of all ages in Nigeria continue to increase based on the fact sheet of the Global Cancer Observatory report. 

He further explained that Nigeria’s HPV vaccine introduction for girls of the targeted age group will potentially avert 71,000 deaths annually if targeted coverages are reached by all states.

The terms and key functions of HPV TWG  will be responsible for the mapping all relevant HPV stakeholders (EPI and Non-EPI); Provide coordination, management and planning for all stakeholders meeting through the Introduction.

They are to ensure development of the HPV Introduction Work Plan ensuring – this should be finalized and approved by the SERICC/RIWG. 

Monitor and Track release of funding for the HPV rollout at the State which includes State counterpart funding, 

Review the budget requirements for the pre-introduction and introduction activities and monitor the timely disbursement of these funds to the lowest level. 

Lastly, it is to provide overall guidance in the smooth running of the operations rooms during the introduction of the HPV vaccine including early identification and proffer solutions to mitigate challenges during the HPVV introduction process.