# HPV vaccination efforts in Nigeria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hpv-vaccination-efforts-in-nigeria
> Updated: 2026-09-29T20:39:21.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Nigeria has vaccinated more than 18 million adolescent girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), reaching roughly 76 per cent of its target population. This initiative follows the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the national immunization programme in October 2023.

Dr Rufai Garba, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, stated during a policy roundtable in Abuja that the number of vaccinated individuals is equivalent to the population of three African countries. 

To combat approximately 12,000 new cervical cancer cases and 8,000 deaths annually, officials noted that vaccination must be combined with screening, early diagnosis, and treatment. The agency is currently employing school-based campaigns and outreach to reach the target demographic.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Nigeria vaccinates 18 million girls against HPV

Nigeria has vaccinated over 18 million adolescent girls against HPV, achieving 76 per cent of its target to combat cervical cancer, which causes approximately 8,000 deaths annually in the country.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-vaccinates-18-million-girls-against-hpv

### 2026-09-25: University of Liberia researchers test HPV vaccine coverage

University of Liberia and Kenyan researchers are testing blood samples from over 1,000 girls to verify HPV vaccination coverage rates in Liberia following reports of low immunization levels.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-liberia-researchers-test-hpv-vaccine-coverage

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Cite as: HPV vaccination efforts in Nigeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hpv-vaccination-efforts-in-nigeria