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.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Gombe State chapter has appealed to Nigerian youths to promote peaceful coexistence and express their grievances within the bounds of the law.

Mr Garba Ubale, chairman of PCRC in the state, while speaking to journalists on Monday in Gombe said dialogue remained the best solution to addressing any concerns.

Ubale advised the youth against resorting to violence or destructive behaviour that could reverse the progress Gombe State and Nigeria had recorded since independence.

He stated that the Independence Day anniversary was a day to reflect on the journey so far as a state and country and celebrate what had been achieved.

According to him, youths are critical stakeholders in the development of the state, hence they must resist the temptation of being used as agents of destruction through violent protest.

He stated that they had engaged different youths groups across the state with a view to sensitising them on the need to guard the prevailing peace in the state.

Ubale said that the state government under the leadership of Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and the security agencies had been working to ensure that the state remained safe and crime-free.

“The best the youths and we all can do is to support that effort.

“I want to thank all the youth organisations for saying they will not participate in any protest or join any group to engage in issues that will set the state backwards “ he said.

The pcrc chairman also urged government at all levels to continue to engage with the youth, strengthen good governance and provide an environment conducive for them to realise their dreams.

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old zookeeper, Babaji Daule, following a fatal lion attack at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, the incident occurred on Saturday evening around 7:40 p.m. It was initially reported to a divisional police station before being escalated to the state command office.

The statement released by the police reads: “On September 28, 2024, at about 7:40 p.m., the Chief Security Officer of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library informed the divisional police officer that a 35-year-old man named Babaji Daule, from Bauchi State, who was a trained handler of a male lion at the Zoological Garden in OOPL Abeokuta, tragically lost his life.”

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, while the OOPL management has assured the public of enhanced safety measures at the wildlife facility.