By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The federal government has reteirated its commitment to eliminate cervical cancer by year 2030 alignment
with the World Health Organization target.
The Minister of State for the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr.Iziaq Adekunle Salako disclosed that this remains President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s top priority to Elimination of
all preventable cancers and early diagnosis of the disease.
Dr.Iziaq made this known when he received a delegation of Taskforce on Elimination of Cervical Cancer Committee, led by its Chairman and a former minister of health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.
The Minister said the formation of a Taskforce last year 2024 by the Ministry demonstrates government’s unwavering commitment to tackle cervical cancer, which also aligns with Mr. President’s vision of achieving universal health coverage for all Nigerians.
This commitment, he stated, 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 better much more than cure. So, elimination means that there will be a lot of attention on prevention at primary and secondary levels. “, Salako added.
The Minister urged the Taskforce Committee on Elimination of Cervical Cancer to ensure that screening and immunization exercises are taken down to the grassroots.
Expressing optimism on the working relationship between the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment NICRAT and the Committee; the Minister noted it will strengthen achievement of President Tinubu’s agenda for health sector.
Dr. Salako assured the Ministry would support and accommodate some of the activities of the task force within the 2025 budget.
Furthermore, chairman of the Cancer Task committee, Prof. Isaac Adewole who presented a said that the sixteen – man is committed and passionate about eliminating cervical cancer.
Highlighting some of the activities carried out from October to December 2024, Prof. Adewole underscored the importance of collaborating with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment NICRAT, stressing, it will advance its functionality as well as achieving its mandate.
Prof. Adewole was emphatic that with requisite support, Nigeria will key into global agenda of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
