HPV: THE SILENT VIRUS PUTTING MILLIONS OF YOUNG GIRLS AND WOMEN AT RISK IN NIGERIABy Princess Adeola Shittu
Following the movie Healing, produced by Mobimpe Adedimeji Lateef, I realised how lightly many people—including myself—have taken the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Until watching the film, I never saw HPV as a threatening disease that could silently lead to cancer if not properly addressed. And for many women across Nigeria, this might be the very first time they are even hearing about HPV at all.
As Nigeria continues to battle rising cases of cervical cancer, health experts are turning renewed attention to the often-overlooked culprit behind the disease: HPV. Despite being one of the most common viral infections globally, HPV remains widely misunderstood, especially among young girls, parents, and caregivers—groups that need the information the most.
Studies show that girls and women aged 15–45 are the most vulnerable, with high-risk HPV strains responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases. Many girls who are not vaccinated early—between ages 9 and 14—face even greater danger, as the vaccine works best before sexual exposure.
Nigeria records more than 12,000 new cervical cancer cases every year, most of which could have been prevented through early vaccination and regular screening. Unfortunately, limited awareness, cultural silence around sexual health, and misinformation continue to fuel late detection and preventable deaths.
Reproductive health specialist, Dr. Kehinde Folarin, describes HPV as “a silent invader thriving in communities where awareness is low and stigma is high.”
He adds, “Many young women do not know they are at risk until it’s too late. HPV vaccination before sexual exposure is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent cervical cancer.”
Beyond young girls and women, other vulnerable groups include sexually active adolescents, people living with HIV, men who have sex with men (MSM), and individuals with weakened immune systems.
WHO ELSE IS AT RISK?
Apart from young girls and women, health experts warn that other groups are significantly affected:
- Sexually active adolescents who lack access to sexual health education
- Women in low-income communities with limited access to healthcare
- People with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV
- Men who have sex with men, who face increased risk of anal and throat HPV diseases
While HPV is most dangerous for women, especially due to cervical cancer, both men and women can carry and spread the virus unknowingly.
VACCINATION: A GAME-CHANGER FOR PREVENTION
The introduction of the HPV vaccine into Nigeria’s national immunisation schedule has been described as a major milestone in reducing preventable deaths. The vaccine is safe, free, and highly effective when administered early.
But uptake remains uneven across states. Many parents hesitate due to misinformation, myths, or religious fears—despite evidence showing that the vaccine does not influence sexual behavior.
Health officials encourage parents to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine, noting that protection is far better when given before the onset of sexual activity.
THE ROLE OF AWARENESS AND MEDIA
As cervical cancer continues to claim lives, experts warn that failure to act now could escalate Nigeria’s public health burden.
With the right information, vaccination, and early detection, cervical cancer could become one of the first cancers eliminated in Nigeria.
Parents, schools, governments, and community influencers all have a critical role to play. And for many young girls across the country, the difference between life and death could be a simple vaccine taken at the right time.