Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Nigeria has taken a significant step toward eliminating cervical cancer with the validation of its costed National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan.
The plan was endorsed during a national workshop in Abuja, which brought together stakeholders from federal and state health ministries, academic institutions, and international organisations such as WHO and UNICEF.
“Participants engaged in thematic breakout sessions to validate cost assumptions for various components of the plan, including prevention, diagnostics, and demand generation,” said Co-Chair, Media and Communications of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE), Ayo Osinlu on Tuesday.
The harmonised plenary that followed marked consensus on targets, cost parameters, and implementation strategies aligned with the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets.
The validated plan, which will run from 2025 to 2030, builds upon the earlier National Strategic Plan for Prevention and Control of Cancer of the Cervix (2023–2027).
Presenting the new framework, NTF-CCE Secretary Professor Sani A. Malami noted that Nigeria has already vaccinated over 13 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer.
“This comprehensive strategy includes vaccination, screening, treatment, health workforce development, and a robust monitoring system,” Malami stated.
He also emphasised the economic rationale, highlighting that “every $1 spent could generate up to $26 in societal return,” framing the effort as both a public health priority and a sound economic investment.
The NTF-CCE, chaired by former Health Minister Prof. Isaac Adewole, is tasked with providing expert guidance and mobilising national efforts to drastically reduce the burden of cervical cancer.
Its leadership includes notable figures such as Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, a leading cancer advocate and vice chairman; Professor Sani A. Malami; and veteran journalist Chief Moji Makanjuola.
With the validated plan advancing to finalisation, Nigeria is poised to lead by example in the global movement to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.
