The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved Cecolin®, a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, for use in a single-dose schedule. This decision was announced in a statement by WHO on Friday, following the fulfillment of criteria outlined in its 2022 recommendations for off-label HPV vaccine use in single doses.

This approval marks a significant step towards enhancing global access to HPV vaccines, particularly in preventing cervical cancer. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized the impact of this decision, noting the unique opportunity to eliminate cervical cancer.

“Unlike most cancers, we can eliminate cervical cancer along with the inequities it causes,” Ghebreyesus said. “By introducing a single-dose HPV vaccine option, we move closer to consigning cervical cancer to history.”

HPV is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, with the disease claiming a life every two minutes. The burden is especially severe in low- and middle-income countries, with 90% of cervical cancer deaths occurring in these regions. Of the 20 countries hardest hit by cervical cancer, 19 are in Africa.

Dr. Kate O’Brien, Director of WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals, highlighted the importance of the approval. “The addition of a single-dose HPV vaccine gives countries more options to reach girls, despite global supply shortages that have hampered distribution since 2018.”

The approval of Cecolin® follows data showing a rise in single-dose HPV vaccine coverage among girls aged 9-14, from 20% in 2022 to 27% in 2023. WHO estimates that over 6 million additional girls received the vaccine in 2023 due to the single-dose schedule.

To accelerate efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, countries and partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF, have committed nearly $600 million in new funding. The WHO also prequalified an additional HPV vaccine, Walrinvax®, in August 2024, further supporting the global vaccine supply.

These advancements are expected to increase coverage and access to HPV vaccines, moving closer to WHO’s goal of having 90% of girls fully vaccinated by age 15 by 2030.

“Nigerian Doctors in High Demand as 67% Work in UK – FG”

The Federal Government has disclosed that 67 percent of Nigerian doctors currently practice in the United Kingdom. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, revealed this during an interview on Tuesday, highlighting the global demand for Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses.

Pate emphasized that the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) would face significant challenges if Nigerian doctors decided to withdraw and return home. This issue is part of the broader concern addressed by the newly approved National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, which aims to curb the mass exodus of health professionals from Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* program, Pate noted the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, with only 55,000 licensed doctors serving a population exceeding 200 million. He reported that 16,000 doctors have left the country in the past five years, with about 17,000 being transferred.

Pate proposed that countries benefiting from Nigerian health professionals, like the UK, should invest in expanding training opportunities within Nigeria. “The continuous migration of health workers places a strain on our system. The UK will always need Nigerian doctors. But perhaps they should consider helping us train more, ensuring a sustainable flow of professionals,” he suggested.

Acknowledging the government’s inability to restrict the movement of its citizens, Pate stressed that the focus should be on creating a more favorable environment for health workers to stay and practice in Nigeria. “We cannot stop anyone from leaving, but we are committed to improving conditions to encourage health professionals to remain in the country and to attract those who have left to return,” he added.

President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19, Exhibits Mild Symptoms

U.S. President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House announced on Thursday. According to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre., Biden is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is currently experiencing mild symptoms.

The positive test result came after Biden attended an event in Nevada. Following this, he will return to his private residence in Delaware to self-isolate while continuing to perform all his presidential duties remotely.

Biden’s physician reported that the president displayed upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, in the afternoon. Although the results of a PCR confirmation test are pending, Biden has already received his first dose of the COVID-19 drug Paxlovid.

This marks the second time Biden, 81, has tested positive for COVID-19; he experienced mild symptoms during his previous infection two years ago. Given his age, Biden is at a higher risk for severe illness from the virus.

This latest positive test comes amid increasing scrutiny of Biden’s mental acuity and physical health, raising concerns about his fitness to run for a second term in the upcoming November presidential elections.

President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19, Exhibits Mild Symptoms