Celebrating Champions for Cervical Cancer Elimination: Reflections on HAPPI Nigeria HPV Introduction

In 2020, 194 countries resolved to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, and the WHO launched a global strategy to achieve this goal.  November 17, 2024 marks four years of recognizing a global Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination. 

In response to the significant threat that cervical cancer poses to women, the Nigerian government committed to the national introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Cervical cancer remains the third-most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women ages 15–44 in Nigeria. The HPV vaccination is the most effective tool to prevent this preventable cancer.

To ensure the success of the HPV vaccination program, Nigeria launched a two-phase national campaign which began in October 2023 and concluding after May 2024. The campaign aimed to reach all 37 states across the country, with the support from the Gates Foundation-funded HPV Vaccine Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI) Consortium. The program is being implemented by the JSI in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), which is working closely with the Government of Nigeria to introduce and accelerate HPV vaccination.

As a Senior Communications Advisor at JSI, our Nigeria team and I were able to interview and capture the contributions of two different champions who are supporting HPV vaccination in Nigeria. 

Writing these two stories—one about the efforts of Islamic cleric Sheikh Dr. Ismail Zakariyya Al-Kashnawii in Katsina State and the other about Elizabeth Hassan, Nigeria’s National Focal Desk Officer for HPV vaccine introduction—has been an insightful journey into how community leadership and dedicated public health expertise can converge to create transformative change.

For Sheikh Ismail's story, I was struck by how he leveraged his role as both a cleric and a father to dismantle misconceptions about the HPV vaccine. His decision to vaccinate his own daughters spoke louder than words, setting a powerful example in a region where long-term health priorities often take a backseat to daily survival concerns. His influence has led to over 680,000 girls being vaccinated in Katsina alone, and it’s inspiring to see how his advocacy builds trust and increases acceptance within communities.

Elizabeth’s story highlighted the impact of personal conviction in a professional role. With over 30 years of experience, her work in fragile states has been instrumental in addressing barriers to vaccination. She shares her own family’s vaccination journey, giving a relatable perspective that resonates deeply with communities. Her story also emphasizes resilience; despite the challenges, she remains committed to ensuring every girl has a chance to protect her future health, which has contributed to the vaccination of more than 12 million adolescent girls across Nigeria.

Both of these leaders—one rooted in community influence, the other in national public health leadership—demonstrate the power of personal and professional commitment. It was a privilege to capture their stories, and I hope they inspire continued support and investment in initiatives that prioritize adolescent girls’ health across Nigeria.