The call was made on Wednesday during activities marking the 2026 International Human Papillomavirus Awareness Day, a global initiative led by the International Papillomavirus Society to highlight the risks of HPV and promote prevention strategies.
Speaking at the event, Professor Imran Oludare Morhason-Bello stressed that framing HPV solely as a women’s health issue is both misleading and dangerous.
“HPV is not just a women’s issue,” he said. “It affects men and women alike and can cause cancers of the cervix, throat, mouth, anus, and penis. Our response must be broad and inclusive.”
Morhason-Bello called for a transdisciplinary strategy that integrates medical science, social research, education, religious institutions, and community leadership. He highlighted the importance of localized research, noting that vaccine hesitancy varies significantly across regions and communities, making grassroots engagement critical for effective intervention.
“Policies designed without community input often fail,” he said. “Communities must be partners, not passive recipients, in this fight.”
Experts also acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in HPV vaccination through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, which has administered vaccines to over 16 million girls. However, tens of millions more remain eligible, underscoring the need for expanded funding and awareness campaigns.
Dr. Maureen Umeakuewulu, LOC Chairman for IHAD IPVS-Nigeria and Nigeria Country Ambassador for IPVS, called for a nationwide advocacy movement that engages religious leaders, traditional rulers, women’s organizations, youth groups, and cervical cancer survivors. She warned that misinformation, particularly claims linking the vaccine to infertility, continues to hinder progress.
“The vaccine has been used globally for over 20 years with no evidence linking it to infertility,” she said. “While we educate communities, those spreading falsehoods are also active. We must counter them with louder, clearer facts.”
Dr. Umeakuewulu further urged that cervical cancer screening be made free in all hospitals, public and private, to remove financial barriers that discourage women from getting tested.
“If women gather the courage to seek screening and are turned away due to cost, then our advocacy is weakened,” she said. “Screening must be accessible to every woman, regardless of income or location.”
Professor Mohammed Manga highlighted that HPV is one of the few cancer-causing infections that can be prevented through vaccination and early detection. He noted that the global slogan “One Less Worry” reflects the possibility of eliminating cervical cancer if countries fully commit to vaccination, screening, and ongoing awareness campaigns.
“This is not a battle for doctors alone,” Manga said. “It requires the media, policymakers, community leaders, caregivers, and citizens. No single profession can eliminate HPV; it is a collective responsibility.”
Participants agreed that while sustained funding is essential, education and health system efficiency are equally critical. They identified gaps in health worker training, widespread misinformation, and infrastructural weaknesses as challenges that must be addressed.
Experts concluded that Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment. With vaccines available and awareness increasing, the country has the tools to significantly reduce HPV-related deaths. What remains, they emphasized, is political will, continuous funding, and community-driven action to translate potential into lasting impact.