In a major health initiative, Nigeria has set a target to vaccinate 7.7 million girls in a comprehensive campaign against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

The vaccination drive will focus on girls aged 9 to 14 years, with the aim of administering a single dose of the vaccine.

This vaccination is particularly effective in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for at least 70% of cervical cancer cases.