“This topic touches me deeply, as I lost my wife to cervical cancer. That painful experience has shown me how serious and real this issue is. I will use my voice to educate my people so they can protect themselves and their families,” said Mujtaba Adam Saleh, religious focal person and chairman for the Fagge Local Government Area.
At Mujtaba’s words, the room fell silent. The mood shifted. This was no longer a routine sensitization workshop—it had become a mission.
Cervical cancer should not be a death sentence—not when there is a vaccine that can prevent it. However, in many Nigerian communities, myths, misinformation, and limited awareness still prevent adolescent girls from receiving protection they deserve.
Why Kano, and Why Now?
Kano is one of Nigeria’s most populous and culturally rich states. But here, as in many parts of Northern Nigeria, access is not the sole barrier to care—perception is also a major obstacle. That is why Pathfinder Nigeria, in partnership with the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, brought together Ward Development Committee chairmen and religious leaders from all 44 local government areas of Kano State. By convening some of the most trusted voices across Kano, Pathfinder empowered community leaders with accurate, culturally appropriate information about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), cervical cancer, and the safety and importance of the HPV vaccine.
This proved to be no ordinary training. It was an act of trust-building, one that placed faith leaders and grassroots actors at the center of cervical cancer prevention. We enhanced their knowledge on the HPV vaccine, discussed the relationship between vaccines and faith, and explored how to best frame health messages within religious teachings.
In Kano State, the Ward Development Committees serve as vital community-level structures designed to strengthen primary health care delivery and promote active community involvement in health governance. Functioning as a bridge between health facilities and the communities they serve, Ward Development Committees mobilize residents for health campaigns, support routine immunization efforts, and advocate for improved health services. They are involved in planning, monitoring, and mobilizing resources, ensuring that primary health care centers remain functional and responsive to local needs.
From Sensitization to Action
The workshop created a safe space to discuss issues ranging from the health of girls to religious doctrine, and the need to align medical messages with religious teaching and local context.
“As religious leaders, we are role models in our communities, and many of us are parents ourselves especially to daughters. It’s not enough to only preach about the importance of HPV vaccination; we must also lead by example. Personally, I will ensure that my own children are brought out for vaccination, so that others can see and be encouraged to do the same. When people see us taking action, it speaks louder than words,” said Muhd Tukur Abubakar, religious focal person for the Sumaila Local Government Area.
Others echoed Muhd’s sentiment, with Ward Development Committee leaders pledging to amplify their learnings at the ward level and incorporate health education into existing community activities. The ripple effect was beginning.
“We have been actively raising awareness in our communities, and with this newly gained knowledge from the program, we are even more empowered to continue. This has added to our understanding and strengthened our efforts. We are indeed very grateful for the opportunity to learn more, and we are committed to using this knowledge to educate others and make a real difference,” said Musa Muhammad, Ward Development Committee Chairman, Tarauni Local Government Area.
This is a demonstration of Pathfinder Nigeria’s model of engaging those with the strongest ties to local reality, respecting spiritual beliefs while delivering medical facts, collaborating with government, and prioritizing girls in hard-to-reach communities.
The impact didn’t end in the meeting room.
Faith leaders are weaving vaccine messages into their weekly sermons. Outreach activities in Fagge, Dala, and Gezawa communities of Kano are underway, not led by outsiders, but by those who live and serve there.
At Pathfinder, we know that beating cervical cancer will involve all of us—local voices, community leaders, and everyday champions included. This is exactly what we saw in Kano. We are proud to be a trusted partner in the state and beyond, working for a future where every girl is protected, informed, and empowered through the HPV vaccine.
“We now understand how important it is, and we are fully committed to spreading the message and encouraging others action,” said Tijjani Yawale, Ward Development Committee Chairman, Kano Municipal Local Government Area.
