Nigeria has established an ambitious objective to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, aligning with the global strategy of the World Health Organization.
This objective was announced by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to eliminate preventable cancers that strengthen this initiative.
To achieve this objective, the Government has formed a working group, chaired by Professor Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health.
The working group aims to boost efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, with an approach to preventive measures. Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that prevention is crucial, given the weak health infrastructure of Nigeria and limited financing in the health sector.
The Government plans to expand the detection and immunization efforts to rural and unattended communities, with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Nicrat) collaborating with the working group to improve cancer care systems.
Financing for these efforts will be supported by the Ministry in Budget 2025.
Nigeria's commitment to eliminate cervical cancer is part of a broader global effort.
The World Health Organization has established objectives for the elimination of cervical cancer, including 70% detection coverage for women of 35 and 45 years, 90% vaccination coverage against HPV for teenage girls and 90% of treatment for cervical lesions.
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