Experts advocate improved HPV vaccination awareness

In Nigeria, the pervasive nature of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern that demands greater attention and understanding. Health experts are sounding the alarm, emphasizing that despite being one of the most common sexually transmitted infections globally, HPV remains poorly understood by many Nigerians. This lack of awareness contributes to its continued spread and the associated health risks, including genital warts and several types of cancer.

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HPV infects the skin and soft tissues, making it easy to spread through close contact.

The experts, including Dr. Emmanuel Egbroko and Dr. Paul Ogboji from Inocul8, highlight the virus's insidious nature. HPV, a group of over 150 viruses, can infect skin and soft tissues through close contact, often without any immediate symptoms. This 'silent' characteristic makes transmission easy and early detection challenging. While genital warts are a visible sign, caused primarily by HPV types 6 and 11, the more serious concern is the virus's link to various cancers. The transmission routes, including sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, mean that individuals can unknowingly pass the virus to partners.

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Most genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types 6 and 11, which are highly contagious.

From a Nigerian perspective, addressing HPV requires a multi-pronged approach that goes beyond medical intervention. The experts stress the critical importance of prevention through HPV vaccination, which offers protection against the most common cancer-causing strains. Alongside vaccination, promoting safer sexual practices, such as consistent condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners, is vital. Furthermore, the call for regular medical check-ups, particularly cervical screening for women, underscores the need for proactive health management. Overcoming the stigma and misinformation surrounding STIs is a significant hurdle, and increased public health campaigns are essential to empower Nigerians with the knowledge to protect themselves and their communities from HPV.

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A person does not need to have visible signs before passing HPV to a partner.