NATIONAL CERVICAL CANCER ELIMINATION TASKFORCE SET FOR ROLLOUT

REPORTER: ELIZABETH OMORUYI
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 harmonisation workshop, experts in oncology and gynaecology brainstorm on how to enhance coordination for effective delivery of the programme across the federation.

World Health Organisation data and trends on cervical cancer indicate that roughly 34.8 per cent of new cases and 22.5 deaths occur per 100,000 women annually, making up 22 per cent of all female cancers in Africa. It is projected that deaths will increase by 32 per cent by 2030 if trends continue.

To align with the World Health Organisation’s strategy, the national taskforce on cervical cancer elimination hinged on three pillars: vaccination, screening and treatment. According to the report, 10,000 women are targeted in Imo s state.

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

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