FG launches initiative to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria

The federal government has launched the partnership to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN), an initiative of the national task force on cervical cancer elimination (NTF-CCE).

The initiative, launched at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday by Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, aims to accelerate Nigeria’s achievement of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets for cervical cancer elimination.

Speaking at the launch, Isaac Adewole, chairman of the NTF-CCE, said Nigeria will need N2.2 trillion to implement comprehensive cervical cancer interventions between 2026 and 2030.

Adewole said the interventions under the initiative are grouped into three categories: primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary treatment.

He explained that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme will be delivered through fixed sessions at health facilities and outreach-based immunisation campaigns.

“The total direct implementation cost over the five years is estimated at N387.52 billion,” the former minister of health said.

“Including administrative and supervisory costs, the total cost of HPV vaccination will amount to N426.28 billion.”

He said cervical cancer screening over the same period is estimated to cost N351 billion, targeting 14.4 million women.

On tertiary treatment, Adewole said nearly 300,000 women will require care for invasive cervical cancer between 2026 and 2030.

“The country is projected to spend approximately N1.42 trillion on treatment, with the cost per patient dropping from N8.7 million in 2026 to N4.1 million by 2030,” he added.

In spite of other competing priorities, he urged investment in cervical cancer elimination due to its high return on investment.

“We seek your commitment and support to implement robust cervical cancer elimination interventions in Nigeria,” he said.

“This will ensure that every woman is financially protected throughout her life and no eligible adolescent is left behind in HPV vaccination.”

Muyi Aina, executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said since the federal government launched the HPV vaccine campaign on October 24, 2023, 14 million girls had already received the vaccine.

“This milestone is unprecedented globally and was achieved through strong leadership from President Bola Tinubu, the support of the First Lady, and collaboration across ministries and communities,” Aina said.

Aina reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the programme, stating that the HPV vaccine has been incorporated into the routine immunisation schedule and that primary healthcare centres are being revitalised to support service delivery.