FG targets ending cervical cancer by 2030, expands treatment facilities
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health challenge by 2030 through expanded HPV vaccination, improved screening services, strengthened treatment capacity and increased domestic investment in cancer prevention.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, committed while declaring open an international webinar on “Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination towards the 2030 Agenda: Myth or Reality?” organised by the Nigerian Academy of Medicine (NAMed) in collaboration with the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.
Addressing scientists, policymakers, clinicians and global health experts, Salako said cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet deadliest cancers affecting Nigerian women, with about 13,676 new cases recorded annually, most of them diagnosed at advanced stages.
He said the Federal Government has placed cervical cancer elimination at the centre of its national health agenda in line with the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 targets for HPV vaccination, screening and treatment.
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable yet devastating cancers affecting Nigerian women. Despite this, our country records about 13,676 new cases annually, with most diagnosed at advanced stages,” the minister said.
Salako noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, with the support of the Renewed Hope Initiative of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has adopted an integrated strategy to accelerate the country’s efforts toward eliminating the disease.
Highlighting progress in HPV vaccination, he disclosed that Nigeria’s nationwide single-dose HPV immunisation programme, introduced in 2023, has reached more than 17 million girls aged nine to 14 years.
“Our priority now is to consolidate these gains by expanding last-mile delivery through schools and community outreach, particularly for out-of-school girls, while driving national vaccination coverage beyond 80 per cent,” he said.
