CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – HPV VACCINE PHASE 2 INTRODUCTION TRAINING FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS

The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), successfully launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 16 phase one states in October 2023. The introduction saw a successful turnout, with Nigeria meeting its target coverage rate. This vaccine prevents cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Nigerian women. This success was partly achieved by multisectoral partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Centre (IVAC), through its in-country partners Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) and Direct Consulting and Logistics (DCL), coordinated the mapping and positioning of CSOs to mobilise eligible girls for the vaccine in the phase one states. CSOs were trained and equipped with Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials to increase awareness and work in alignment with the government vaccination teams to get eligible girls vaccinated.

Nigeria will launch the HPV vaccine in 21 phase two states (Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara) by Q2 2024. Lessons learned from the phase one introduction shows the need to comprehensively engage with key stakeholders at all levels and pre-sensitize communities to inoculate them against myths and misconceptions about the HPV vaccine.

Consequently, IVAC plans to extend its work with CSOs to the phase two introduction states. CSOs identified and selected through this expression of interest will be trained and empowered to sensitize communities pre-introduction and mobilise eligible girls during the introduction campaign. This engagement also serves as a vital step to increase CSOs visibility and position CSOs for future funding opportunities.

Application Close Date: 27th February, 2024

For further inquiries, send an email to info@wavang.org