From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Federal Government said that it’s working on realistic designed measures that would lead to the elimination of cervical cancer by 2030, in line with the target of global leaders led by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, gave the assurance in Abuja, when he received a delegation of Taskforce on Elimination of Cervical Cancer Committee led by its Chairman Prof. Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health.
The Minister said the taskforce was constitued in 2024 as part of government’s effort to tackle cervical cancer and its elimination, aligning with government’s vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Nigerians.
“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 much more better 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 Minister thus urged the Taskforce Committee to ensure that screening and immunization exercises are taken down to the grassroots so that more people can be reached with the necessary knowledge and information.
Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Adewole, in his remarks, appreciated the trust and confidence in the team, and advocated stronger working relationship with the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) for improved results.
He said the committee has 16 eminent Nigerians as members who are committed and passionate about eliminating cervical cancer, and was emphatic that with requisite support, Nigeria will key into global agenda of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
The presentation of the report was witnessed by the National Coordinator on National Cervical Cancer programme, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu and Dr. Abisola Adegoke mni; reoresenting Dr. Salahudeen Jimoh mni, Director Hospital Services Department in the Ministry.