Kano State Joins National HPV Vaccine Rollout, Launches Integrated Health Campaign to Protect Girls and Communities
By Maikudi Muhammad Marafa
The Kano State Government has officially announced its full participation in the national rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a critical public health initiative to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in Nigeria.
The vaccination campaign, integrated into the state’s Routine Immunization (RI) structure, will actively engage schools and communities to ensure no eligible girl aged 9 to 14 years is left behind.
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Speaking on the comprehensive health initiative, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, emphasized the dual focus of strengthening routine immunization while introducing this new, life-saving vaccine.
“Our Routine Immunization system remains the backbone of all vaccination efforts,” stated Dr. Labaran. “While past surveys indicated challenges with coverage, we are now witnessing encouraging progress through sustained efforts, capacity building, and improved accountability. This ongoing campaign provides yet another opportunity to intensify routine immunization and close the remaining immunity gaps across the state.”
The campaign is part of a broader integrated health initiative. In addition to the HPV vaccination, the programme features the distribution of Ivermectin for the treatment and prevention of Onchocerciasis (river blindness) in six Local Government Areas (LGAs): Tudun Wada, Madobi, Gaya, Kabo, Dambatta, and Garun Malam.
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“Kano State remains committed to achieving therapeutic coverage above 80% in all endemic LGAs,” Dr. Labaran added. “We are steadfast in our work toward meeting the WHO threshold for stopping mass drug administration in eligible areas. This effort underscores our vision for a disease-free, productive population.”
The Commissioner expressed his profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his unwavering and tireless support towards the healthcare system. He also extended gratitude to key development partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, the Gates Foundation, SOLINA, the Chigari Foundation, the Sultan Foundation, eHealth Africa, Rotary, IVAC, Core Group HANDS, and many others for their vital technical and financial support.
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Dr. Labaran also acknowledged the tireless contributions of healthcare workers, traditional and religious leaders, LGA Chairmen, and community volunteers who stand at the frontline of this noble mission.
The Kano State Ministry of Health calls on all parents, caregivers, and community members to ensure their children and wards within the target age group receive the HPV vaccine during this campaign.
“These vaccines are safe, free, and lifesaving,” Dr. Labaran concluded. “Together, we can shield our daughters from cervical cancer and build a healthier future for Kano State.”
