Protecting Nearly 500,000 Girls from Cervical Cancer in a Nigerian State

Working in the public health and development space gives you the chance to make real, lasting change. But it’s not always easy. My experience with the introduction of the HPV vaccine was eye-opening, fulfilling, and at times, pretty challenging. It wasn’t just about getting a vaccine out there—it was about building trust, tackling myths, and changing attitudes to protect girls from cervical cancer.

Laying the Groundwork

Before any vaccine could be given, there was the real work of making sure people understood why it mattered. The HPV vaccine targets girls aged 9–14, and this is important because vaccinating them before they’re exposed to the virus gives them the best chance of being protected. I can’t tell you how many conversations I had about why the vaccine is so important for this age group, especially since HPV infections can lead to cervical cancer.

I also had to face a lot of fears. The focus on girls created some tension because many didn’t understand why the vaccine was only for them and why it was being given to girls so young. There were fears that vaccinating at this age would lead to early sexual activity or confusion about the vaccine's purpose. On top of that, many thought it was unnecessary—cervical cancer wasn’t something they thought about.

Addressing these concerns was tricky. We had to explain that the vaccine is most effective when given before exposure and that it’s an investment in the future health of girls. I also had to clarify that while others could access the vaccine later, it would only be free for this specific group.

The Challenge of Myths and Rumors

No public health campaign is easy, and the HPV vaccine campaign had its share of challenges. I saw firsthand how quickly rumors could spread—about infertility, hidden agendas, and side effects. These fears weren’t just coming from uneducated people; they were genuine worries from parents who loved their children and didn’t want to take any chances.

I spent a lot of time combating myths, trying to replace fear with facts. The misconception that cervical cancer was rare and therefore the vaccine wasn’t necessary had to be corrected. I explained how common and dangerous HPV-related cancers are and why vaccinating early is key to preventing them. But beyond the facts, it was about creating a space where people felt safe to ask questions—where they knew they could trust the information being shared.

Witnessing the Impact

The most rewarding part of this experience wasn’t just talking about the vaccine—it was seeing the change in action. On the first day of vaccinations, groups of girls stood in line—some nervous, some curious, some quietly excited. They were there for one reason: to protect their health.

One moment that stood out to me was a teacher who, after being sensitised about the vaccine, joined us in speaking to her students about its benefits. We had already secured consent from parents of the girls in that school, but it was incredibly fulfilling to see teachers as informed and enthusiastic as we were about the importance of the HPV vaccine. Watching her confidently advocate for the vaccine’s importance was a reminder of how powerful community buy-in can be—and how trusted voices can amplify health messages in impactful ways.

Despite the obstacles, the journey has been rewarding. During the 5-day Multi-Age Cohort Campaign (MAC), 444,659 girls in a state within the North Central zone of Nigeria were vaccinated; surpassing the target of 441,585 girls and achieving an impressive 100.7% coverage. 

A Journey of Growth

This experience was more than a professional milestone for me—it was a journey of personal and professional growth. Through the process, I developed a deeper understanding of the power of communication, empathy, and collaboration. I learned to navigate sensitive topics with tact, to listen without judgment, and to persist even when resistance seemed overwhelming.

On a personal level, this journey reshaped how I view resilience and connection. It made me more attuned to the fears and aspirations of the people I worked with. Each conversation deepened my appreciation for the courage it takes for individuals to embrace change, particularly when it concerns their children.

Above all, witnessing the smiles of girls who received the vaccine, and the gratitude of parents, reminded me of the profound purpose of public health. Knowing that I contributed, even in a small way, to protecting a generation of girls from cervical cancer filled me with a sense of fulfillment I had never experienced before. It reaffirmed my commitment to creating meaningful change and gave me a clearer vision of the impact I hope to make in the future.

This wasn’t just a project for me; it was a transformative chapter—one that left me not only more skilled but also more compassionate, more determined, and more inspired.