OWERRI – The federal government on Wednesday launched the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in Owerri as part of a deliberate effort to curb the rising number of cancer cases across the country.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Health Minister Iziaq Salako reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to what he described as a “transformative initiative”. He said the programme reflected President Bola Tinubu’s vision to treat the lives and health of Nigerian women as a national priority.
Mr Salako noted that the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in 2023 was a landmark decision, ensuring that cancer care now has a permanent institutional foundation.
“This signals that the federal government recognises cancer, including cervical cancer, as a national health priority deserving a permanent institutional hold,” he said.
He also disclosed the launch of the National Strategic Cervical Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030), a comprehensive framework designed to set specific targets and resource requirements for nationwide cancer control. He explained that Imo was selected as the South-East flagship state due to the visible commitment of Governor Hope Uzodimma and his wife to maternal and child health.
Target: 10,000 women
NICRAT’s director-general, Usman Aliyu, revealed that the Owerri rollout was not merely symbolic but a strategic operation with a clear immediate goal: to screen at least 10,000 women across the state.
Mr Aliyu explained that the programme is designed to move Nigeria closer to the WHO 90-70-90 strategy – a global initiative aimed at eliminating cervical cancer through high rates of vaccination, screening, and treatment.
He added that the programme, driven by the Partnership for Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme in Nigeria, focuses on four key pillars: strategic leadership, capacity building, health equity, and sustainability. He commended the leadership of the National Task Force, headed by Professor Isaac Adewole, and the Federal Ministry of Health for providing the policy direction necessary to move from “ambition to implementation”.
‘Vaccine is free and safe’
In a speech formally launching the exercise, Governor Uzodimma underscored the urgent need for increased awareness at the grassroots level. He called on women across the state to come forward for both screening and vaccination, reassuring the public that the “vaccine is free and safe”.
