Oluwatobi Adu 
DUTSE, Nigeria – The Jigawa State Government reassures residents of the safety and effectiveness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, urging parents to protect young girls against cervical cancer.
The assurance comes amid lingering misconceptions about the vaccine, with state health authorities intensifying public sensitisation efforts across communities.
Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Shehu Sambo,on Sunday says the HPV vaccine is safe, harmless and globally approved, stressing that it plays a critical role in improving maternal health outcomes by preventing cervical cancer.
“Cervical cancer kills many women largely because they present late,” Sambo says. “If we protect our girls early, we significantly improve the survival and wellbeing of women in Jigawa State.”
He explains that the vaccine is introduced through federal and state collaboration and is now fully integrated into Jigawa’s routine immunisation schedule for girls aged between nine and 14 years.
“I assure parents and caregivers that this vaccine is very safe and is being used all over the world,” Sambo adds.
Health officials note that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria, often due to limited awareness and delayed diagnosis.
To address vaccine hesitancy, the agency is stepping up advocacy, community engagement and mobilisation campaigns aimed at dispelling myths and improving public understanding of the vaccine’s benefits.
Officials say health facilities across the state are now equipped to administer the vaccine, while outreach teams are deployed to ensure coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
The state government says it remains committed to strengthening preventive healthcare and reducing avoidable maternal deaths through early intervention and sustained public education.
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Mirian Gom 