JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DISEASES
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2705-2214
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JPHD
Start Year: 2018
Email: jphd@integrityresjournals.org
Human Papilloma Virus-Induced Cervical Cancer in Nigeria: Epidemiology, challenges, prevention and future perspective
https://doi.org/10.31248/JPHD2025.155 | Article Number: CE6C202D1 | Vol.7 (4) - August 2025
Received Date: 10 April 2025 | Accepted Date: 16 June 2025 | Published Date: 30 August 2025
Authors: Jephthah Yacham Bagayang , Kimbi Enoch Danbaki* and Ojule Inumanye
Keywords: Cervical cancer, epidemiology of HPV, HPV vaccination, Human Papilloma Virus, HPV challenges in Nigeria, HPV preventive measures
Cervical cancer is the fourth prevalent cancer among women worldwide, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is recognised as a major risk factor for its development. Sub-Saharan Africa records the highest rates of cervical cancer globally, emerging as the predominant cause of mortality among women in 21 out of the 48 countries within the region. In Nigeria, the prevalence of HPV-induced cervical cancer is a major public health concern. The review aimed at examining the burden of HPV-induced cervical cancer and exploring potential solutions. An English-language literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, as well as existing systematic reviews, speciality journals, and several websites, including Google. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were used to search for relevant articles before March 2, 2024. Lack of awareness and education about HPV and cervical cancer, limited access to HPV vaccination and screening programs, stigma and sociocultural barriers in seeking early diagnosis and treatment for cervical cancer were identified as challenges in tackling HPV-induced cervical cancer in Nigeria. The major noted key strategies for the prevention and control of HPV induced cervical cancer in Nigeria were: Promoting HPV vaccination programs and awareness campaigns, strengthening screening and early detection initiatives, improving access to quality treatment and care services and enhancing healthcare infrastructure and workforce capacity were considered as the strategies for prevention and control of HPV-induced cervical cancer in Nigeria. Moving forward, collaborative efforts are crucial, necessitating encouraging multi-sectoral collaboration and partnerships, advocating for policy changes and implementation, integrating cervical cancer programs into primary healthcare and monitoring and evaluation of HPV-induced cervical cancer programs.
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