The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has launched a new campaign, the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria, (PECCIN).
This is to achieve the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) targets by 2030.
The first lady, while unveiling the logo of the campaign on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the campaign would help end the menace of cervical cancer among women across the country.
“Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. In Nigeria, it is the second most common cancer after breast cancer and it is a silent killer, and one that strikes hardest at the most vulnerable women. Yet, this is a cancer that is preventable.
“I am glad that this partnership aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda on Health of President Bola Tinubu, to promote the health and well-being of Nigerians, particularly eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat for women across the nation.
“In the year 2024, Nigeria made a breakthrough by the launching of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) nationally, protecting over 12 million girls in just nine months.
“This success was led by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, with support from global partners, such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Gates Foundation, WHO, and UNICEF.”
Tinubu advised stakeholders and well meaning Nigerians not to relent in their efforts, but to form a strong coalition that would reduce the high level of the disease among women.
“Eliminating cervical cancer requires collaborative action. State and local governments and healthcare professionals, must all prioritise women’s health.
“Also, our schools and educational institutions need to be champions of immunisation. In addition, it behoves on our religious and traditional leaders to advocate for truth and science. Yes, funding and a lot of resources is needed.
“That is why through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), we have committed N1billion to this effort. I call our state governors, business leaders, and development partners to join in supporting this laudable initiative.
“Together, we must invest in a future where no woman dies from a disease that is preventable.
“I commend the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare , Dr Adekunle Salako for their commitment in driving health sector reforms.”
Dr Adekunle Salako, Minister of state for Health, said that the partnership was a crucial step towards eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria.
He said within the last few months 40 million Nigerian girls have been vaccinated.
The minister commended the first lady for her support to the health and well-being of Nigerians, particularly in the areas of cancer prevention and control.
He said the National Taskforce for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, led by Prof. Isaac Adewole, has been working diligently to actualise its mandate.
He said that the taskforce has developed a concise policy brief, organised high-level advocacy visits, and mobilised a cross-society support for the elimination of cervical cancer.
“The Federal Government has also reconstituted and re-energised its Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group to enhance the country’s capacity for cancer staging, treatment planning, response monitoring, and recurrence detection.
“To reduce the financial burden on cancer treatment, the Federal Government has continued to appropriate resources to sustain the Cancer Health Fund.
“The government is also working towards creating a Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund to support patients with cancers and other finance-intensive chronic diseases.
“With the commitment of the Federal Government, the support of partners, and the dedication of healthcare professionals, Nigeria can achieve the WHO’s work to mobilise resources, raise awareness, and provide access to screening and treatment services for cervical cancer.
“It will also promote primary and secondary prevention of cancer, including vaccination for vaccine-preventable cancers like cervical cancer,” Salako said.
