The Federal Government has affirmed its commitment to eliminating Cervical Cancer by the year 2030, aligning with the World Health Organization target.
This position is strengthened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's top priority for eliminating all preventable cancers and early diagnosis of those that are not preventable.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare made this known when he received a delegation of the Task Force on Elimination of Cervical Cancer Committee; led by its Chairman Prof. Isaac Adewole.
Explaining further, the Minister said the formation of a task force last year 2024 by the Ministry demonstrates the government's unwavering commitment to tackling cervical cancer and its elimination, aligning with Mr. President's vision of achieving universal health coverage for all Nigerians.
This commitment, Dr. Salako stated, underscored the critical strategy of early diagnosis of those that are not preventable and elimination of all preventable cancers.
"Preventive approach to cervical cancer, and other diseases is the best approach in view of our weak health infrastructure and, the poor funding that is still in the health space.
"And we know that ultimately, prevention is not only cheaper, it's better much more than cure. So, elimination means that there will be a lot of attention on prevention at primary and secondary levels. And I believe that this is something that we need to continue to push." Dr. Salako added.
The Honourable Minister urged the Taskforce on Elimination of Cervical Cancer Committee to ensure that screening and immunization exercises are taken down to the grassroots.
Expressing optimism about the working relationship between the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment NICRAT and, the Committee; the Minister pointed out, will strengthen achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's agenda for the health sector.
This partnership speaks to the essence of the sector-wide approach SWAp strategy initiated by the Ministry to ensure everybody is on the same page, the Minister emphasized.
On funding, Dr. Salako assured the Ministry would support and accommodate some of the activities of the task force within the 2025 budget.
While presenting the first quarter report to the Honourable Minister, the Chairman of the Task Force, Prof. Isaac Adewole said the committee has sixteen eminent Nigerians as members who are committed and passionate about eliminating cervical cancer.
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Highlighting some of the activities carried out from October to December 2024, Prof. Adewole underscored the importance of collaborating with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment NICRAT, stressing, that it will advance its functionality as well as achieving its mandate.
Prof. Adewole was emphatic that with requisite support, Nigeria will key into the global agenda of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
The presentation of the report was witnessed by the National Coordinator of the National Cervical Cancer program, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, and Dr. Abisola Adegoke mni; representing Dr. Salahudeen Jimoh mni, Director Hospital Services Department in the Ministry.
Alaba Balogun
Deputy Director
Information and Public Relations
11 February 2025
