By Our Reporter

HPV Vaccine Champions have been recruited across all 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State as part of efforts to strengthen awareness and acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a move aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the vaccination programme.
The Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA), Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, disclosed this during a two-day review meeting of HPV Vaccine Champions held in Abuja. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from implementing states to assess progress, share experiences, and develop strategies to sustain HPV vaccine uptake.
Dr. Saleh, who attended the meeting alongside the Director of Health Education and Social Mobilization, Ibrahim, highlighted Nasarawa State’s achievements in HPV vaccine coverage, describing the state as a leading performer in vaccine uptake. He attributed the success to deliberate government policies and consistent community engagement initiatives.
According to him, the integration of the HPV vaccine into the state’s Routine Immunization (RI) programme—targeting girls aged nine—has been a critical step in ensuring continuous protection against cervical cancer.
He explained that the HPV Vaccine Champions, deployed across all local government areas, have been instrumental in driving grassroots sensitization. They work closely with community leaders, school authorities, and religious institutions to improve public awareness and encourage vaccine acceptance.
The review meeting, organised by Pathfinder International, also focused on strengthening strategies for sustaining the programme. Participants explored ways to enhance coordination and ensure that HPV advocacy efforts remain effective and community-driven.
Dr. Saleh noted that ongoing engagements from the meeting are expected to yield actionable resolutions, including the development of a strategic roadmap that will integrate HPV Vaccine Champions into broader Routine Immunization advocacy frameworks. This, he said, will promote ownership, sustainability, and formal recognition of their contributions.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining high vaccination coverage and protecting young girls from HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, through sustained collaboration with partners and stakeholders.