As the global efforts to eradicate cervical Cancer gain momentum, Nigeria has stepped up its efforts with contribution in the international campaign against the deadly disease. On the 17th of November, Nigeria, joins the rest of the world in commemorating Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, which marks the fourth anniversary of the start of the global plan to eradicate cervical cancer as a Public Health issue. The Nigerian First Ladies’ Against Cancer (FLAC) initiative raises awareness of this year’s Day of Action, which was themed “ Elevating frontline health workers: translating global commitments into life-saving actions”.
The country stands out not only for the magnitude of its cancer burden, but also for its increasing dedication to tackling the disease as a public health priority. For Nigeria, where cervical cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths for women, participation in the international effort is not only indispensable, but also vital. With an estimated 12,075 new cases and over 7,900 deaths from cervical cancer annually, Nigeria is one of the nations with the highest incidence of the disease worldwide. These startling figures have inspired Nigerian healthcare authorities to take decisive action.
HPV vaccine’s inclusion in the system is a crucial step.
Recognizing the urgency, the Nigerian government has stepped up efforts to fight cervical cancer by implementing comprehensive policies that are in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) elimination targets. This dedication is demonstrated by the introduction of Nigeria’s National Strategic Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer. This strategic plan focuses on increasing access to cervical cancer screening for women, increasing the number of girls who receive HPV vaccine, and ensuring that precancerous lesions and aggressive tumors are treated promptly. WHO’s 2020 Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem has galvanized attention on the global battle against disease.
With its “90-70-90” targets, the policy seeks to ensure that 90% of girls receive the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, 70% of women undergo high-performance test screening by the ages of 35 and 45, and 90% of women who are diagnosed with cervical illness receive the proper care. Nigeria’s alignment with these goals demonstrates its willingness to be a vital player in the global endeavor. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine’s inclusion in the National Immunization Schedule is a crucial aspect of the country’s commitment.
More than 21,000 women in five states were screened in 2023.
In collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the nation has launched a huge immunization drive targeting millions of teenage girls between the ages of 9 and 14. This endeavor is primarily aimed to protect future generations from the virus, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Nigeria has also increased efforts in the screening and early treatment of the disease . Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) was used to screen more than 21,000 women in five states in 2023 and those who tested positive were treated right away.
Moreover, Nigeria is improving access to cervical cancer screening by fortifying its health infrastructure, implementing high-performance testing to identify precancerous diseases early, and increasing healthcare skills to enhance treatment capabilities. Similar to Nigeria, several African nations have made notable progress in combating the disease, including Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa. Motivated by these achievements, Nigeria is encouraging regional cooperation, exchanging tactics, and expanding initiatives to guarantee long-term advancement. The magnitude of Nigeria’s issue emphasizes how urgent these initiatives are.
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By implementing WHO-recommended tools, especially the new advice on Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for HPV screening tests that is set for launch, Nigeria may further deepen its effort to reduce the disease burden on a national scale. Through the incorporation of TPP-guided HPV screening technologies into its healthcare system, Nigeria has the potential to significantly advance the fight against cervical cancer. Together with effective immunization campaigns and improved healthcare facilities, this strategy has the potential to save thousands of lives and realize the WHO’s goal of eradicating the disease as a public health issue.