Experts urge Nigeria to expand HPV prevention through research, free screening, and community engagement to fight cervical cancer and related diseases

Medical experts on Wednesday called for Nigeria’s battle against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to extend beyond routine vaccination campaigns, advocating for deeper research, free nationwide screening, and proactive grassroots engagement to tackle cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

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The appeal was made during activities marking the 2026 International Human Papillomavirus Awareness Day, a global initiative led by the International Papillomavirus Society to raise awareness about HPV and promote prevention strategies.

Professor Imran Oludare Morhason-Bello of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, cautioned against limiting the HPV conversation to cervical cancer.

He noted that the virus also causes cancers of the throat, mouth, anus, and penis, affecting both men and women.

“Human Papillomavirus is not a women-only issue,” Morhason-Bello said.

“It affects both genders and people of different backgrounds. We must broaden our understanding and our response.”

He urged policymakers to adopt a transdisciplinary approach that integrates medical science, social research, education, religious institutions, and community leadership.

Morhason-Bello stressed that policies without grassroots input often fail, and communities must be partners rather than passive recipients.

While acknowledging progress in Nigeria’s HPV vaccine rollout through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, which has vaccinated over 16 million girls, experts warned that tens of millions more remain eligible.

Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, LOC Chairman of IHAD IPVS-Nigeria and Nigeria Country Ambassador for IPVS, highlighted the persistent challenge of misinformation, particularly claims linking the vaccine to infertility.

“The vaccine has been in use globally for over 20 years. There is no evidence linking it to infertility,” she said.

Dr Umeakuewulu also called for cervical cancer screening to be free in all hospitals to remove financial barriers.

Professor Mohammed Manga, President of the Nigerian chapter of the International Papillomavirus Society, described HPV as one of the few preventable cancer-causing infections.

He said the global slogan ‘One Less Worry’ reflects the potential to eliminate cervical cancer through comprehensive vaccination, screening, and awareness.

Experts agreed that while funding is critical, education and systemic efficiency are equally vital.

They cited gaps in health worker training, misinformation, and infrastructural weaknesses as ongoing challenges.

The panel concluded that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment: with vaccines available and awareness increasing, the country has the tools to significantly reduce HPV-related deaths.

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What remains, they said, is political will, sustained investment, and community-driven action.