🌍 Fast movers

Happy Monday! Well, if you’re an art lover, today is probably of great significance to you. On this day, Pablo Picasso had his first-ever exhibition in Paris, France in 1901. He is widely credited with being the father of modern art and sculpture. And if you’re somewhat allergic to paint, a different kind of artist was equally born on this day: Lionel Messi, best known for his art in taking penalties.

-Chibuike Uzor

Nigeria vaccinates 7 million in 2 weeks

Cervical cancer in Nigeria may soon become a thing of the past. And that may be putting it very lightly. The HPV vaccine, which provides immunity against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the principal culprit in cervical cancer development, was only approved for routine administration in the country in October 2023.

Despite holding the unofficial title of the most vaccinated country in Sub-Saharan Africa, there was serious doubt about the country’s ability to successfully implement a vaccination campaign of such scale, especially considering that getting people vaccinated for COVID-19 wasn’t exactly a home run. The country has since achieved the incredible feat of completing 7 million vaccinations in the 2 weeks spanning from May to June 2024, thus prompting (unusually so) a litany of praises from Sani Nishtar, CEO at GAVI Alliance.

With a national target of 15 million vaccinations by 2025, Nigeria could easily pass for a salesman of the year candidate.

Elsewhere?

Other countries have had somewhat of a bumpier ride.

1. Despite being the first West African country to introduce the HPV vaccine into its National Immunization Program, Senegal boasts a paltry 22% coverage of girls at risk.

2. As of 2021, Cameroon reported a mere 5% coverage rate among its reproductive-age females

3. In total, 27 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa have adopted the vaccine but coverage rates average out at 19%, highlighting Africa’s struggle with vaccine acceptance.

Is vaccination all that’s required? Well, essentially….at least if you’re younger than 26. Beyond that, you have to consider other measures in addition to vaccination such as forgoing a good cinnamon-flavored cigarette and practicing safe sex. And to all who are about to ask…Yes. Hookah does count as smoking. - CU