The Federal Government has affirmed its commitment to eliminating Cervical Cancer by 2030, aligning with the World Health Organization target.
Minister of State for Health and Social welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako made this known when he received a delegation of Taskforce on Elimination of Cervical Cancer Committee; led by its Chairman Prof. Isaac Adewole.
According to a statement by the deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun issued to newsmen in Abuja, the gesture is strengthened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s top priority for eliminating all preventable cancers and early diagnosis of those that are not preventable.
The Minister said the formation of the Taskforce in 2024 demonstrates government’s unwavering commitment to tackle cervical cancer and its elimination, aligning with Mr. President’s vision of achieving universal health coverage for all Nigerians.
According to him, the commitment his commitment underscores 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 much 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 urged the Taskforce to ensure that screening and immunization exercises are taken down to the grassroots.
Dr Salako further expressed optimism that the committee will work with the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment NICRAT in efforts to achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for the health sector.
“This partnership speaks to the essence of
sector-wide approach SWAp strategy initiated by the Ministry to ensure everybody is on the same page.
On funding, Dr. Salako assured the Ministry would support and accommodate some of the activities of the task force within the 2025 budget.
Presenting the first quarter report to the 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.
Prof Adewole while Highlighting some of the activities carried out from October to December 2024, 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 also 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, National Cervical Cancer programme, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu and Dr. Abisola Adegoke reoresenting Dr. Salahudeen Jimoh Director Hospital Services Department in the Ministry.
