18 million girls, one fewer fear: Nigeria's HPV shield now covers 76% of its target

Nigeria has now vaccinated more than 18 million adolescent girls against human papillomavirus — the virus behind most cervical cancer — reaching about 76% of its target, health officials in Abuja announced this week. The shot is free at public health facilities and reaches girls through schools and community outreach. Nigeria loses about 8,000 women a year to cervical cancer; leaders are now pairing the vaccination push with wider screening through the new PECAN elimination partnership backed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.