Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: Just ahead of the phase 2 launch of HPV vaccine, I had the honor of hosting the GAVI Team

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu shared a post on X:

“Just ahead of the phase 2 launch of HPV vaccine, I had the honor of hosting the GAVI Team, led by Emily Kobayashi, during their pre-HPV vaccine launch visit to Nigeria. Our discussions focused on the program’s impact and provided exciting updates, showcasing remarkable achievements.

Key stakeholders such as Olumide Okunola from the World Bank Group, Dr. Charles Ugwanyi, State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Adamu Alhassan, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Brian Atuhaire and Chioma Nwachukwu from GAVI and Chris Chukwunyere, City Coordinator for City Cancer Challenge (C/CAN), were also in attendance.

The initial phase, launched in October 2023, successfully vaccinated 5 million girls across 14 states. With the launch of the phase 2 on 27th May 2024, we are now expanding efforts to the remaining 22 states, targeting a total of 15 million girls.

This milestone underscores the power of collaboration between the Nigerian government, GAVI, and dedicated Civil Society Organizations, achieving in one round what has taken three years in smaller nations.

As a result, millions of young Nigerian girls are now protected against cervical cancer, bringing us closer to the WHO 90-70-90 goal.

I encourage all women to get themselves and their loved ones vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective.

Don’t let myths and misinformation deter you from protecting your health and the health of those you care about. Together, we can create a healthier future for all.”

Source: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu/X

Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is the First Lady of Kebbi State, a global cancer advocate, a pediatrician, a UICC Board Member, a Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and the Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), a coalition of the spouses of current and former state governors in Nigeria who are working to address gaps in the cancer continuum of care. Her Excellency is a member of the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.