Kano State Launches Groundbreaking Initiative to Protect All Girls Against Cervical Cancer
By Saadatu Suleiman
State-led workshop targets hard-to-reach communities to ensure no girl is left behind in historic HPV vaccination campaign.
The Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and with support from PATH, today commenced a critical two-day planning workshop to ensure the successful rollout of the upcoming Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign across the state.
The workshop, held at Babale Suites in Kano, brings together key health officials and partners to develop innovative strategies for identifying and vaccinating out-of-school girls, a demographic often missed in routine health initiatives. This effort is a pivotal step towards the state’s goal of reaching every eligible girl aged 9 to 14 years, regardless of her educational status or location.
Dr. Habib Tijjani, Director of Disease Control and Epidemiology at KSPHCMB, underscored the life-saving importance of the initiative. “Our target is to leave no girl behind. Cervical cancer is preventable, and this vaccination provides a lifetime of protection for our daughters, securing their future health. Whether in school, at home, or in hard-to-reach areas, we are committed to finding every eligible girl and ensuring she is vaccinated,” he stated.
In a significant move for long-term public health, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Alhasan, the State Focal Person for HPV vaccination, announced the state’s plan for sustainable protection. “From 2025 onward, the HPV vaccine will be integrated into Kano State’s routine immunization schedule. This means every girl who turns 9 years old will automatically receive this crucial vaccine as part of our standard health services, making cervical cancer prevention a permanent fixture of our healthcare system.”
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria. The HPV vaccine is a safe, effective, and globally proven shield against the primary cause of this disease.
The Kano State Government calls on parents, guardians, community leaders, and all partners to actively support this vital campaign. By working together, we can ensure every young girl is protected and given the opportunity to live a healthy life, free from the threat of cervical cancer.
Sa’adatu Suleiman is the Public Relations officer, KSPHCMB,
