In-country financial cost of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Nigeria: comparison between contrasting states

Research Objectives: This study aims to estimate the financial operational costs of introducing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination into Nigeria’s National Programme on Immunization, initiated to reduce Nigeria’s 800 yearly deaths from cervical cancer. To analyze costs, the study compares the financial cost per dose in two contrasting states: Bayelsa (in the South) and Taraba (in the North). Study Design: An Excel template was developed to apply an ingredients-based costing approach. It summed the products of unit costs and quantities of each input with data from the HPV Operational Plan, interviews with key stakeholders, financial reports, and activity reports on girls vaccinated. Vaccinations were conducted over 5 days, 24 -29 October, 2023. Participating staff received their regular salary plus a per diem and transportation allowances where applicable. The target population was girls aged 9-14 years -198,993 in Bayelsa and 285,438 in Taraba.

Principal Findings: Budgeted costs (based on 80% coverage and 460.43 Naira/USD) were US $0.324 and $0.313 in Bayelsa and Taraba. Coverage achieved was 74% and 78% with actual costs per girl vaccinated $0.351 and 0.321, respectively. Policy Implications: Taraba’s higher share of girls in school (59%) than Bayelsa’s (30%) contributed to lower unit costs and higher coverage. Economic costs outside this analysis include the vaccine and syringes (provided by international donors), workers’ salaries, and use of health facilities—all provided in kind. The relatively modest financial in-country costs suggests that this vaccination program’s in-country costs are highly affordable, even for out-of-school populations.

Authors

• Ismail Ndalami Salihu, Master of Science candidate in Global Health Policy and Management, Brandeis University (Presenter)
• Shafik Sekitto, Master of Science candidate in Global Health Policy and Management, Brandeis University