The Nigerian Government has launched a cervical cancer screening programme in Owerri, Imo State, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the growing burden of cancer in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, described the initiative as a key step in prioritising women’s health, in line with the administration’s broader healthcare reforms.
He said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to addressing cervical cancer as a major public health concern, noting that the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) in 2023 marked a turning point in strengthening cancer care systems.
“This signals that the Federal Government recognises cancer, including cervical cancer, as a national health priority deserving a permanent institutional hold,” Salako said.
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He also highlighted the recently unveiled National Strategic Cervical Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030), which outlines clear targets and resource frameworks for nationwide intervention.
Imo State was selected as the South-East flagship for the programme, with Salako citing the commitment of Governor Hope Uzodimma and his wife to maternal and child health initiatives.
Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, said the Owerri rollout is designed as a practical intervention rather than a symbolic event, with a target to screen at least 10,000 women across the state.
According to him, the programme aligns with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer through widespread vaccination, screening, and treatment.
“Late presentation remains far too common, driven by persistent gaps in access and awareness.
“This initiative is intended to establish a sustainable and resilient system in which early detection becomes a standard practice rather than the exception,” Aliyu said.
He added that the programme is being implemented under the Partnership for Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme in Nigeria, focusing on strategic leadership, capacity building, health equity, and sustainability.
Launching the programme, Governor Hope Uzodimma called for increased public awareness and urged women to take advantage of the free screening and vaccination services.
“Cancer now has a solution,” he said, assuring residents that the vaccine is safe and accessible.
He also appealed to traditional and community leaders to drive awareness campaigns at the grassroots level.
Uzodimma commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting health sector reforms and acknowledged the contribution of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, whose funding support has boosted the initiative.
“Our population will be strengthened with a healthy population,” the governor added, pledging full state support for the programme’s success.
In her remarks, the Governor’s Wife, Chioma Uzodimma, described the initiative as a major step forward in protecting women’s health in the South-East.
She noted that Nigeria recorded about 13,676 new cases of cervical cancer in 2023, underscoring the urgency of early detection and intervention.
“Cervical cancer remains one of the greatest threats to the health and lives of Nigerian women,” she said, urging women to visit designated centres for screening.
She added that the programme aims to expand access to quality screening, improve early diagnosis, strengthen referral systems, and build local healthcare capacity.
Imo is one of several states selected as flagship hubs for the programme, alongside Niger, Bauchi, Rivers, Ogun, and Sokoto.
The initiative is part of a broader national effort led by NICRAT and the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination, aimed at eradicating the disease in Nigeria by 2030 in line with global targets.
