By Doris Obinna
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common virus that infects both males and females and is mainly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and while many of them are harmless and go away on their own, some types can cause serious health problems.
HPV can be prevented, and the cancers it causes can be greatly reduced through vaccination and early detection. Educating young people, especially girls, about HPV and encouraging vaccination is a vital public health step toward reducing cancer risks later in life.
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Recently, to mark the Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHDay), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and in partnership with the Nigerian Girls’ Guild and the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, encouraged Nigerian girls to embrace menstruation as a proud and natural part of womanhood.
With the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” the event brought together students from public and private schools to celebrate menstruation as a significant milestone in a girl’s journey to adulthood. It further aimed to empower girls with knowledge on menstrual hygiene and the critical importance of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination.
Speaking, Director of Education, Lagos State Primary Education Board, Mrs. Onfo Grace Adesola, emphasised the dual objectives of the program promoting menstrual hygiene and increasing awareness about HPV and the availability of the vaccine. “We brought together our girls to sensitise them on menstrual hygiene and how to take care of themselves. But beyond that, we also used the opportunity to educate them about HPV.
“HPV is real, and the vaccine is available at all health facilities in Lagos State. She noted with concern that during the session, many of the girls indicated they had not yet received the HPV vaccine, despite its free and safe availability. We are not currently running a campaign, but these girls can simply walk into any of our health centres to get vaccinated.”
Explaining further, she said: “It’s important they also go home and talk to their parents because parental consent is required. The HPV vaccine is crucial in preventing cervical cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria.
She drew attention to the long-term health implications of not getting vaccinated and noted: “Only a healthy cervix can carry a pregnancy to term. Protecting themselves today ensures they have a future free from preventable diseases.”
Role of UNICEF
Acknowledging the role of UNICEF in facilitating the initiative, Adesola also disclosed it plays a significant role in the global effort to prevent and control HPV particularly in relation to HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention among children and adolescents.
Social and Behavioral Change Specialist, UNICEF, Aderonke Akinwole urged girls to see menstruation as a moment of pride, symbolizing their role in human sustainability. “When a girl starts menstruation, it should be for celebration. The period shows that she has progressed to a woman who can bring forth children to continue to make the world sustainable.”
She added that UNICEF is one of the largest procurers of vaccines in the world, including HPV vaccines. “It works with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and World Health Organisation (WHO) to supply affordable and quality-assured vaccines to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).”
While also adding that UNICEF supports countries in planning and implementing HPV vaccination programs, including school-based vaccination strategies, she emphasised the need for girls to access accurate information to help them stay clean, safe, and healthy, encouraging them not to be shy about menstruation but to embrace it with pride as part of their dignity as women.
Akinwole also called on the Lagos State Government to intensify efforts in raising awareness about menstrual hygiene and the HPV vaccine. She advocated for the integration of menstrual education into school curriculums, religious institutions, and community programs.
Addressing the issue of stigma, especially from boys, she emphasized the need for boys to be educated to respect and support girls during menstruation. “Girls should have knowledge of the menstrual cycle even before it begins,” she added.
Boys included in HPV vaccine and global trend
“Lagos State is large, and our government cannot do it alone. Beyond girls, this conversation also touched on the role of boys in HPV transmission. Boys can be carriers of the virus. While they don’t have a cervix and may not develop cervical cancer, they play a part in spreading HPV. In some countries, boys are vaccinated from age nine, and we hope to see such policies adopted here in the near future,” Adesola added.
According to WHO, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. It helps protect their future partners from HPV-related diseases including cervical cancer. It also contributes to herd immunity, reducing overall circulation of the virus.
Health authorities like WHO recommends HPV vaccination for both girls and boys, ideally between nine to 14 years old, before they become sexually active.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination for all children; girls and boys starting at age 11 or 12 and can start as early as nine.
While the HPV vaccine used for boys is the same as the one for girls, WHO states that it protects against the most common cancer-causing and wart-causing HPV types. More countries are now including boys in their national HPV vaccination programs to ensure broader protection and equity. Some high-income countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the U.S. have already implemented gender-neutral HPV vaccination.
Myths, misconceptions
Dispelling long-held myths and misconceptions about menstruation, Adesola encouraged open communication between girls and their parents. “Menstruation is not something to be ashamed of. Girls should feel confident and be properly guided once they start their period. Talking to parents is key.
She further reflected a growing shift in Nigeria toward proactive health education and gender-sensitive interventions and highlighted the governments and stakeholders’ shared responsibility in shaping a future where girls are not only educated but also healthy and empowered to make informed decisions about their bodies.
“We believe we will see more girls going to our health facilities to get vaccinated. With continued support from partners and increased community awareness, programs like this one can help build a generation of strong, healthy, and informed young women ready to lead Nigeria into a better tomorrow.”
Facts about HPV
According to WHO, some types of HPV are harmless and cause common warts on the hands or feet; Others infect the genital area and are classified into: Low-risk types: can cause genital warts, high-risk types: can lead to cancers, especially cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the anus, throat, penis, and vulva;
“Transmission: HPV is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity. It can be transmitted even when an infected person shows no signs or symptoms while most people with HPV do not develop symptoms and clear the infection on their own, however, persistent infection with high-risk types can cause abnormal cell changes and lead to cancer over time.
“HPV vaccine: Safe and effective vaccines are available that protect against the most dangerous HPV types. It’s most effective when given before exposure to the virus, typically to girls and boys aged nine to 14 years. Women are advised to have regular Pap smears or HPV tests to detect early signs of cervical changes.
“Also, safe practices by using condoms and reducing the number of sexual partners can lower the risk, though not eliminate it entirely. While there’s no cure for the virus itself, there are treatments for the health problems it causes, such as warts or precancerous lesions.”
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