The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched a nationwide cervical cancer screening programme, beginning with the Southeast zone in Owerri, as part of efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030.
Speaking at the flag-off on April 29, 2026, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said Nigeria has aligned with the World Health Organization Global Strategy on cervical cancer elimination endorsed in 2020.
He outlined three key targets of the strategy: vaccinating 90 percent of girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by age 15, screening 70 percent of women by ages 35 and 45, and ensuring 90 percent of those diagnosed receive appropriate treatment and care.
Salako described the programme as a major step in Nigeria’s commitment to disease prevention, noting that the initiative reflects the health priorities of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He also acknowledged a N1 billion donation by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to support cervical cancer elimination efforts.
The minister highlighted key milestones, including the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment in 2023 and the creation of a National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination in 2024.
He added that Nigeria has already vaccinated over 15 million girls against HPV following the introduction of the vaccine into routine immunisation.
According to him, the first phase of the programme in Imo State will deliver screening services across selected facilities while strengthening data management, community engagement, and referral systems.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, called for increased public awareness and urged community leaders and civil society groups to mobilise women to participate in the screening exercise.
His wife, Chioma Uzodimma, said the programme would expand access to early detection, improve referral pathways, and strengthen local healthcare capacity.
Director-General of the cancer institute, Usman Malami Aliyu, described the initiative as a significant milestone, noting that cervical cancer remains a major but preventable health burden in Nigeria. He said the programme aims to screen at least 10,000 women in Imo State as part of efforts to build a sustainable screening system.
Chairman of the National Taskforce, Isaac F. Adewale, disclosed that the initial rollout will cover 60,000 women across six states—Imo, Niger, Ogun, Bauchi, Rivers, and Sokoto—before expanding nationwide.
Health advocate Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu also called for sustained political and financial support, stressing that eliminating cervical cancer requires strong collaboration among stakeholders.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Partnership for Cervical Cancer Elimination in Nigeria (PECCIN) and supported by national and international partners.