Title Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Nigeria: A Scoping Review of Evidence, Equity, and Policy Implications for LMICs

This project is a scoping review of evidence on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Nigeria, designed to systematically map and synthesise published and grey literature to inform policy, practice, and future research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The review is guided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, with refinements recommended in subsequent methodological guidance for evidence synthesis. The primary purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence base on HPV vaccination in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the country’s national HPV vaccine rollout initiated in 2023. The study aims to identify and synthesise evidence across five key domains: (1) vaccine delivery models (including school-based, facility-based, outreach, and private-sector approaches), (2) knowledge, attitudes, and misinformation regarding HPV vaccination, (3) cost, financing mechanisms, and willingness-to-pay, (4) community engagement and implementation innovations such as peer education and digital health interventions, and (5) equity considerations including geographic, socioeconomic, and gender-related disparities in access and uptake. A comprehensive search strategy will be applied across multiple bibliographic databases (including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online) as well as grey literature sources and relevant trial registries. Studies will be included if they report primary data or programme evaluations related to HPV vaccination in Nigeria, using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs. Data will be extracted using a standardised charting framework and synthesised using thematic narrative analysis. Where comparable quantitative data exist, descriptive summaries (including ranges and proportions) will be presented. The review does not aim to conduct hypothesis testing or meta-analysis but rather to map the breadth and characteristics of available evidence. Expected outcomes include: (i) a comprehensive evidence map of HPV vaccination research and programme implementation in Nigeria, (ii) identification of key barriers and facilitators influencing vaccine uptake and completion, (iii) synthesis of equity gaps affecting rural populations, vulnerable groups, and underserved regions, and (iv) policy-relevant recommendations to support equitable scale-up of HPV vaccination programmes in Nigeria and comparable LMIC settings. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and open-access platforms to support evidence-informed decision-making by national immunisation programmes, global health partners, and policymakers.