BY JENNIFER JOHN / OWERRI
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Imo State has taken a bold step in the fight against cervical cancer with the official launch of the Cancer Screening Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing preventable deaths among women across Nigeria.
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Speaking at the high-profile flag-off ceremony, Governor Hope Uzodimma described the programme as a turning point in public health, emphasizing that cancer is no longer a death sentence if detected early.
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“The story has changed,” the governor declared.
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“We now have a responsibility to help ourselves by going for screening and taking advantage of vaccination. These are the solutions before us.”
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The initiative, which is part of the broader Partnership for Cervical Cancer Elimination in Nigeria, aligns with national and global efforts to combat one of the leading causes of death among women. Health experts at the event stressed that early detection and vaccination remain the most effective tools in preventing cervical cancer.
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In her remarks, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma highlighted the urgency of the programme, noting that Nigeria recorded an estimated 17,676 new cervical cancer cases in 2023 alone. She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 targets aimed at eliminating the disease.
“Our women deserve to live healthy and fulfilling lives,” she said. “Early detection saves lives, and this programme is designed to ensure that no woman is left behind.”
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Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to cancer control, describing the initiative as a reflection of the health priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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“Every life lost to cervical cancer is a preventable tragedy,” he stated. “This programme demonstrates our resolve to ensure that no Nigerian woman dies from a disease we have the tools to prevent.”
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The minister further highlighted key national interventions, including the introduction of the single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into Nigeria’s routine immunization programme, which has already reached over 15 million girls nationwide.
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A major highlight of the event was the recognition of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her leadership and financial support, including a donation of one billion naira toward cervical cancer elimination efforts.
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Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and development partners, were called upon to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage women to access screening and vaccination services.
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Health workers were also urged to maintain high standards of care, ensuring dignity, accessibility, and follow-up for all patients.
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The Programme is expected to expand access to screening services, strengthen healthcare systems, and promote early diagnosis and treatment across Imo State and beyond.
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As the ceremony concluded, speakers unanimously emphasized a shared commitment: that no woman in Imo State or Nigeria at large should lose her life to a preventable disease.
