The National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE) has announced plans to work closely with the National Assembly to make cervical cancer and other common cancer screenings freely available at public health facilities nationwide.
The announcement was made during a news briefing in Abuja on Monday, coinciding with the official observance of World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.
Professor Isaac Adewole, Chairman of the task force, represented at the event by his deputy, Usman Waziri, highlighted Nigeria’s progress in vaccination efforts against cervical cancer, while acknowledging gaps that remain.
He revealed that before Nigeria launched its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program, approximately six million girls across Africa had received the vaccine in 2022.
Since the introduction of the national program, Nigeria alone has vaccinated over 15 million adolescent girls, tripling the continent’s coverage in this demographic.
Adewole also provided updated statistics on the prevalence of the disease, noting that the age-standardised incidence rate of cervical cancer in Nigeria stands at 29 cases per 100,000 women, making it the second most common cancer affecting Nigerian women.
He also outlined the task force’s strategic approach, including the development of a two-volume strategic plan for cervical cancer elimination and the launch of a national screening guideline to standardise prevention and early detection measures.
As part of the awareness campaign, the National Assembly building was illuminated in teal, in line with World Health Organization directives.
Adewole described the move as a recognition of the legislature’s pivotal role in safeguarding public health.
He stressed that the task force will collaborate with lawmakers to leverage existing legislation and, where necessary, introduce new regulations to guarantee free cancer screening services at all public healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Representative Amos Magaji (APC-Kaduna), affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the fight against cancer.
“The 10th Assembly is ready to enact, repeal, or amend laws that will ensure the eradication of cervical and other forms of cancer in Nigeria,” he said.
He also noted ongoing efforts to increase the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund from one per cent to 2 percent and to enhance primary healthcare, which he described as the foundation of the nation’s health system.
Hon. Magaji underscored the broader impact of cancer, emphasizing that the disease is not only a personal burden for affected families but also a national challenge that requires urgent attention.
He called on media organisations to play a critical role in educating Nigerians about the importance of early detection, stressing that timely diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
