Korede Abdullah in Lagos
State Governors in Nigeria have expressed commitment to eliminating cervical cancer in the country.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, made the pledge on behalf of the governors during the inauguration of the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN), in Abuja on Tuesday.
The initiative aims to accelerate Nigeria’s implementation of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets for cervical cancer elimination.
Abdulrazaq, represented by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, affirmed the governors’ commitment to fast-track policy adoption at the state level, allocate domestic funding, and strengthen primary healthcare systems.
“The governors will also collaborate with partners to improve access to screening, vaccines, and education, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas”, he said.
This commitment is expected to improve access to cervical cancer prevention and treatment services nationwide.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, hailed the First Lady’s leadership, emphasizing Nigeria’s strong role in global cervical cancer efforts.
Other supporters of PECCiN include the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Gates Foundation, and Unitaid, among others.
Roche Diagnostics and Merck Sharp and Dohme have also pledged support for affordable and accurate HPV DNA testing and high-quality HPV vaccines, respectively.
