The Nigerian cleric on a mission to protect girls from cervical cancer

Working in Nigeria’s Katsina State, Sheikh Dr Ismail Zakariyya Al-Kashnawii stands at the helm of a transformative health campaign, igniting a movement for lasting change. As an Islamic scholar and devoted father of six, Sheikh Ismail’s commitment to his community’s health has driven him to champion the fight against cervical cancer. His efforts are not just about raising awareness; they represent a fundamental shift in how his community understands and responds to this life-threatening disease.

“For many in my community, cervical cancer isn’t understood,” says Sheikh Ismail. “When women show symptoms, it’s often attributed to spiritual causes or family disputes. People don’t even know the real danger they’re facing.” In a region where daily survival often overshadows long-term health concerns, misinformation and economic hardship create significant barriers to accessing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which began to roll out in Nigeria in October 2023, and reached Katsina as part of the second phase of the rollout in May 2024. The challenge is daunting, but Sheikh Ismail remains resolute.

Sheikh Ismail’s approach is deeply personal and highly effective. Before the HPV vaccination campaign was officially launched in Nigeria, he took proactive steps to have his wives complete Pap smear tests (a medical procedure that screens for cervical cancer), with all results returning negative. He then ensured his daughters, Mardiyya (12) and Yusra (10), were among the first to receive the HPV vaccine. His actions spoke volumes within his community. “When people saw that I trusted the vaccine enough to give it to my daughters, it made a difference,” he explains. “At first, there was so much suspicion – people thought the vaccine might harm their girls or that there was some hidden agenda. But by leading by example, I helped ease their fears.”

The impact of Sheikh Ismail’s efforts was substantial. Vaccine uptake surged in his community, with families enthusiastically protecting their daughters. His influence extends beyond his immediate surroundings; in Katsina State, over 680,000 adolescent girls were vaccinated during the campaign, contributing to a national total of more than 12 million girls.

Sheikh Ismail’s strategy has been straightforward yet powerful: education. “I used my position as a mallam to preach about the benefits of the HPV vaccine, using every opportunity to raise awareness,” he says. In a community where over 90% of people look to their mallams for guidance, his message, rooted in trust and religious responsibility, has struck a chord.

Despite initial resistance and scepticism, Sheikh Ismail has shown that persistent education can change attitudes and foster acceptance. “When people don’t know about something, they fear it. But once they understand, their whole attitude changes,” he notes. With every sermon, every conversation, and every home visit, he works to dismantle doubts and encourage others to become advocates for their daughters’ futures.

However, the road is not without obstacles. Many families in his community grapple with severe economic challenges, prioritising daily survival over healthcare. “Many families are struggling with what to eat,” he explains. “Talking about cancer isn’t always their priority.” Yet, Sheikh Ismail remains steadfast in his mission to integrate cervical cancer prevention into these crucial community conversations, ensuring that health considerations are not sidelined.

The HPV Vaccine Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI) Consortium, funded by the Gates Foundation and implemented by JSI and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in Nigeria, has played a critical role in amplifying these efforts. This initiative has been instrumental in vaccinating more than millions of adolescent girls across Nigeria, including Sheikh Ismail’s daughters in Katsina State. HAPPI’s comprehensive approach involves strategic planning, training of health care workers, and robust advocacy efforts.

Through collaboration with local leaders like Sheikh Ismail, HAPPI has made sure the HPV vaccine reaches underserved communities. His tireless advocacy, backed by HAPPI’s strategic support, is transforming the fight against cervical cancer. This collaboration highlights the power of grassroots leadership and targeted health initiatives, showing how education, trust and relentless advocacy can protect the health of girls in Nigeria and save lives.