Nigeria Targets Cervical Cancer Elimination by 2030

The Nigerian government has declared its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, as stated by Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during an international webinar.

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with an estimated 13,676 new cases diagnosed annually, often at advanced stages due to late detection and inadequate access to screening and treatment. The government aims to align its efforts with the World Health Organization's targets of achieving 90% HPV vaccination coverage among eligible girls, 70% screening coverage for women, and 90% access to treatment.

The initiative, supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, includes a nationwide single-dose HPV vaccination program introduced in 2023, which has reached 17 million girls aged 9 to 14. The government plans to strengthen screening and treatment access, particularly through primary healthcare, and increase domestic funding for cancer prevention and control.