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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) has called for stronger private sector collaboration to accelerate cervical cancer prevention; screening and treatment in Nigeria, saying sustained partnerships are critical to expanding equitable access to care.
The pharmaceutical company made the call in Abuja, at a policy roundtable in partnership with Africa Health Business (AHB), with the theme: “Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination in Nigeria: Uniting Public and Private Sectors for Equitable Access.
MSD’s External Affairs Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Vuyo Mjekula, said Nigeria had made significant progress in cervical cancer prevention, particularly through its Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme.
She said more than 17 million girls aged nine to 14 had received the HPV vaccine since the programme was launched in 2023, describing it as one of the largest single-country HPV vaccination efforts globally.
Mjekula said the progress demonstrated what could be achieved through coordinated action, but stressed that greater collaboration was needed to close remaining gaps in prevention, screening, treatment and financing.
“Despite the significant burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria, the country continues to make meaningful progress towards cervical cancer elimination,” she said.
According to her, Nigeria’s commitment to cervical cancer elimination is aligned with the World Health Organisation’s 90-70-90 targets for HPV vaccination, screening and treatment.
She said the next phase should focus on strengthening partnerships among government, private healthcare providers, civil society organisations and patient advocates to ensure that prevention and treatment services reach more women and communities.
“Greater private sector participation can complement government efforts, support sustainable access and help extend the reach of prevention initiatives to eligible populations beyond those covered by the national programme,” Mjekula added.
The roundtable also examined innovative financing mechanisms and ways of strengthening the cervical cancer care continuum, with stakeholders emphasising the need for sustainable investment in prevention, screening and treatment.
Nigeria has made cervical cancer elimination a national health priority, with the disease having a dedicated strategic elimination plan. It is also among the top three cancers covered by the Cancer Health Fund.
MSD said its continued engagement in Nigeria would focus on supporting health priorities through partnerships aimed at advancing policy implementation, strengthening health systems and improving sustainable access to cancer prevention and care, particularly for women.
