Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030, revealing that more than 17 million girls aged 9 to 14 have been vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) since the introduction of the national single-dose vaccination programme in 2023.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this while delivering his opening remarks at the International Webinar on “Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination towards 2030 Agenda: Myth or Reality?” organised by the Nigerian Academy of Medicine (NAMed) in collaboration with the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE).Addressing scientists, policymakers, clinicians and global health experts from across the world, Salako described cervical cancer as one of the most preventable yet deadliest cancers affecting women in Nigeria.
He noted that Nigeria records an estimated 13,676 new cervical cancer cases annually, with the majority diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited.“Behind these statistics are mothers, wives, daughters, and women who contribute immensely to our nation’s development,” the minister said, stressing that the disease remains a major public health challenge despite being largely preventable.
According to him, the Federal Government has placed cervical cancer elimination at the heart of its national health agenda, aligning its efforts with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 strategy, which seeks to achieve 90 per cent HPV vaccination coverage, 70 per cent screening coverage, and 90 per cent access to treatment for women with cervical disease.Salako said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, supported by the Renewed Hope Initiative led by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has adopted a comprehensive approach that combines vaccination, screening, treatment, and strategic partnerships.
While describing the HPV vaccination campaign as one of Nigeria’s major public health successes, he said government priorities now include expanding vaccination coverage beyond 80 per cent through schools and community outreach programmes, particularly targeting out-of-school girls.He, however, acknowledged that screening and treatment remain the weakest components of the country’s cervical cancer response.
To address the gaps, the minister said government plans to expand HPV-based screening services at the primary healthcare level, strengthen referral systems for treatment, and enhance the capacity of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment to serve as regional centres for diagnosis and care.
Salako also highlighted the establishment of the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, which is coordinating nationwide efforts to achieve the 2030 elimination target while strengthening health information systems to monitor progress effectively.He said the country’s strategy is being supported through investments from the Renewed Hope Initiative, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Financing Facility, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other development partners.
The minister added that the Federal Government is committed to progressively increasing domestic funding for cancer prevention and control to ensure long-term sustainability beyond donor support.He also noted that Nigeria’s leadership in the global fight against cervical cancer has earned international recognition, including its co-leadership in the resolution establishing World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and its role in guiding cervical cancer elimination efforts across the Commonwealth and Africa.
Commending the organisers, Salako urged participants to move beyond discussions and translate commitments into concrete actions that would protect the lives of Nigerian women and girls.“I urge that we leave this webinar not merely with sharper analysis of whether 2030 is myth or reality, but with renewed, practical commitment to making it a reality for every Nigerian woman and girl,” he said.