Nigeria has the largest loading of cervical cancer in Africa and occupies the seventh place worldwide, with an estimate of 12,000 new cases and more than 8,000 deaths related to cervical cancer annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Speaking apart from the African Health Business Symposium (AHB) in Abuja, the MSD managing director for South Africa and Sub -Saharan Africa, Zweli Bashman, praised Nigeria’s rapid deployment by the Human Papilloma Papilloma (HPV) since its national launch in 2023.
He pointed out that more than 14 million girls have been vaccinated since 2023, noting that it is phenomenal, since Nigeria is now the largest taxpayer to the absorption of the HPV vaccine in Africa.
Also read: Buhari, eight other Nigerian leaders who died in the United Kingdom hospitals
He, however, emphasized that the fight against cervical cancer is far from finishing. To maintain and expand progress, Bashman urged the inclusion of adult women and children in the vaccination strategy.
“Children are also HPV operators. Including them helps break the transmission chain and encourages neutral gender protection. I personally took the vaccine,” he said, citing Cameroon’s success in improving vaccine coverage rates after adopting a neutral immunization program in terms of gender.
Bashman also dismissed security concerns around the HPV vaccine, describing them as erroneous information. “These vaccines have suffered extensive global essays and have been authorized by Nafdac in Nigeria. Rumors about infertility are false and do not have a scientific basis,” he said.
The company will launch an immunrapy therapy recognized worldwide in Nigeria at the end of this year, after regulatory approval. The medicine, which treats about 27 types of cancer, is particularly relevant to Nigeria, where up to 60% of breast cancer cases are triple negative, an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options.
MSD is taking advantage of recent advances in continental regulation to allow broader and faster access to drugs that save life. Through the African Drug Agency (AMA), MSD has assured the approvals of products from several countries through a single presentation, reducing what used to be a country process, country by country.
Bashman encouraged African governments to emulate Botswana’s public-private model, which allowed national access to the MSD oncological drug. “Do not assume that you can’t pay it, start a conversation first,” he advised.
The company is also expanding its clinical trial programs in Africa, with continuous work in Kenya and Uganda and the planned expansions in Nigeria and Ghana. “Africa is one of the genetically more diverse populations. Medication tests here ensures that we are addressing the needs of the real world,” he said.
Beyond HPV and cancer attention, MSD is preparing for the African deployment of its RSV vaccine (respiratory syncitial virus) recently approved, which addresses an important cause of infant mortality in the continent.
The company is also active in the social impact through the Mectizan donation program, which provides free treatment for river blindness, and the MSD initiative for Mothers, focused on maternal health. “Nigeria is a key receiving country for both programs,” Bashman emphasized.
Bashman further highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector and civil society in the fight against cervical cancer.
“We need an approach to the whole society to address this disease. Governments, the private sector and civil society must work together to ensure that we reach all corners of the country and not leave anyone behind.”
“MSD’s commitment to improve access to medical care in Nigeria and throughout sub -Saharan Africa is evident in its integral approach to address various health challenges.
“With an focus on innovation, access and associations, the company is working to have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people in the region,” he said.