The legal framework
Nigeria introduced HPV vaccination into its routine immunisation schedule in October 2023, with a mass campaign for girls aged 9 to 14 followed by routine delivery at age 9. Given the size of the birth cohort, it was among the largest single introductions of the vaccine globally. Screening remains limited and relies mainly on visual inspection where available.
Nigeria introduced HPV vaccination into its routine immunisation programme in 2023 with a large campaign targeting girls aged nine to fourteen, delivered through schools and health facilities — one of the biggest such rollouts on the continent. Screening coverage remains very low, and most cervical cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Key points
| Vaccination | Introduced into routine immunisation in October 2023 for girls aged 9 to 14 |
|---|---|
| Scale | Among the largest introductions of the vaccine worldwide |
| Routine age | Girls aged 9, following the initial campaign |
| Screening | Limited; visual inspection where available, cytology in larger centres |
| Burden | Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death in women |
| Cost | The vaccine is free through routine immunisation |
| Treatment | Concentrated in teaching hospitals |
In practice
- Have daughters aged 9 to 14 vaccinated: it is free through routine immunisation.
- Ask about visual inspection screening at a primary health centre if you are over 30.
- Bleeding after sex or between periods must be examined.
- Vaccination protects girls now; adult women still need screening.
Cost and coverage
The vaccine is free through routine immunisation; screening availability varies widely.
Recent changes
The October 2023 introduction into routine immunisation was one of the largest HPV vaccine rollouts ever conducted.
Where to go
- Primary health centres and routine immunisation sites.
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
- Teaching hospitals for colposcopy and treatment.
Worth knowing
The vaccine is free through routine immunisation. Private clinics charging for it are selling something the public system provides at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HPV vaccine free in Nigeria?
Yes, for girls in the target age group under the routine immunisation programme introduced in 2023, delivered through schools, health facilities and outreach. Boys are not included. Outside the programme the vaccine is available privately at significant cost.
Why vaccinate boys as well as girls?
Because HPV causes cancers of the penis, anus and throat as well as the cervix, and genital warts in both sexes — and because high coverage in both sexes cuts transmission for everyone far faster than vaccinating girls alone. Programmes that include boys reach population-level protection years earlier, which is why almost every country that started with girls has since extended it.
Official sources and links
- Nigeria.gov.ng — official government portal