In a bustling women’s group on WhatsApp within a Nigerian church community, a video recently sparked panic and outrage. A woman shared a chilling tale of a young lady allegedly rendered infertile by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine—a story that quickly went viral. The post urged mothers, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals to warn their daughters against the vaccine, igniting fear and confusion among parents. Within hours, the message spread beyond the group, reaching external contacts and amplifying a dangerous narrative rooted in misinformation.
This is not an isolated incident. Across Nigeria and beyond, myths about the HPV vaccine are proliferating at an alarming rate, threatening the health of millions of young girls. From claims of infertility to conspiracies about population control, these false narratives are sowing seeds of doubt, causing parents to delay or refuse a vaccine proven to protect against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. As social media amplifies these rumors, the stakes couldn’t be higher—parents must rise against this tidal wave of disinformation and take action to safeguard their daughters’ futures.
The Misinformation Epidemic
In Nigeria, misinformation about the HPV vaccine has taken root in communities, fueled by fear and mistrust. One pervasive myth claims the vaccine causes infertility—a falsehood that resonates deeply in a society where fertility is culturally significant. A viral video from a program host in Abuja also alleged that the vaccine is a sinister plot to sterilise Nigerian girls and reduce the population, a conspiracy echoed across social media platforms. Other doubts swirl around the vaccine’s safety and efficacy, with some parents fearing adverse health effects despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary.
In certain communities, moral and religious objections paint the vaccine as a gateway to promiscuity, further complicating efforts to promote its uptake.
These myths don’t just stay online—they shape real-world decisions. A study in the journal of Medical Internet Research found that nearly a quarter of HPV-related tweets over a three-and-a-half-month period contained misinformation, often spotlighting alleged side effects like infertility. Strikingly, these posts garnered more likes, shares, and comments than factual ones, underscoring their potent reach. In Denmark, a similar wave of media-driven misinformation between 2013 and 2016 slashed HPV vaccination rates among girls—until a robust public health campaign in 2017 reversed the trend. Nigeria now faces a similar crossroads.
The truth about HPV and the vaccine
The reality is starkly different from the rumors. HPV, a common sexually transmitted virus, is a leading cause of cervical cancer, which claims countless lives globally each year. In Nigeria, where cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among women, the HPV vaccine offers a lifeline. Approved by reputable health organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and rigorously tested for safety, the vaccine prevents infection from the HPV strains most linked to cancer. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has debunked claims of infertility or neurological damage, citing decades of research showing no such links.
In Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the governor, recently championed the vaccine’s introduction into routine immunization programs. At the launch event, she called it “a powerful tool in the prevention of cervical cancer” and urged residents to reject misinformation.
“Extensive research and rigorous testing have ensured the safety and efficacy of this vaccine,” she said, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting future generations.
The cost of hesitancy
When parents hesitate, the consequences ripple outward. Unvaccinated girls remain vulnerable to HPV infections that could, years later, develop into life-threatening cancers. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) warns that exposure to misinformation on social media directly correlates with increased parental hesitancy, undermining vaccination rates and public health goals. In Nigeria, where healthcare access can already be a challenge, falling prey to false narratives only widens the gap between prevention and disease.
Take Grace (not her real name), a 38-year-old mother from Lagos, who saw the WhatsApp video that sparked this story. “I was terrified,” she recalls. “I have two daughters, and the thought of them not being able to have children broke my heart. I almost decided against the vaccine.” It was only after a conversation with her daughter’s school nurse—and some online research prompted by a trusted friend—that Grace learned the truth.
“I felt betrayed by the lies, but relieved to know I could still protect my girls,” she added.
Parents as the first line of defense
Grace’s story highlights a critical truth: parents are the frontline warriors in this battle against misinformation. Health officials, like those in Lagos State, are working tirelessly to educate communities—holding forums, distributing fact sheets, and leveraging local leaders to dispel myths. Community mobilizers are tackling depopulation conspiracies head-on, while religious figures are being enlisted to counter moral objections with messages of care and stewardship.
But the real power lies with parents, caregivers, and educators. By seeking out credible sources—like the WHO, PAHO, or local health departments—they can arm themselves with facts. By sharing these truths with friends, family, and neighbors, they can dismantle rumors before they take root. And by ensuring their daughters get vaccinated, they can secure a healthier future.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu’s plea resonates: “It is the duty of everybody to be vocal about the importance of this vaccination.”
In a world where a single WhatsApp post can sway thousands, parents must act now—before misinformation claims another victory.
A call to action
The HPV vaccine is not a threat; it’s a triumph of science over suffering. It’s a shield against a silent killer that preys on the uninformed. For Nigerian girls—and girls everywhere—the time to separate fact from fiction is now.
Sam Akinrole
