National Cervical Cancer Elimination Taskforce Set for Rollout

The Nigerian National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination is set for rollout in Imo state. This is to drive the 2025–2030 strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat, aiming for 90-70-90 WHO targets.

At a two-day national harmonization workshop experts in oncology and gynecology brainstorm on how to enhance coordination for effective delivery of the programme across the federation. A world health organization data and trends on cervical cancer indicate that roughly 34.8 percent new cases and 22.5 deaths occur per 100,000 women annually

Making up 22 percent of all female cancers in Africa. It is projected that deaths will increase by 32 percent by 2030 if trends continue. To align with the world health organization’s strategy, the national taskforce on cervical cancer elimination hinged on three pillars vaccination, screening and treatment says 10,000 women are targeted in Imo s state.

One state each from the six geopolitical zones will benefit from the elimination programme depending on readiness and commitment of state governments. The package includes vaccination of girls from 9- 14 years.

As the experts harmonize key implementing tools for prevention and control, they urge women to embrace screening and healthy sexual behaviours.