Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has taken a bold step in the fight against cervical cancer, a disease that claims the lives of countless women worldwide. According to her, no woman should die from cervical cancer, as it is a preventable disease. This message of hope and resilience was conveyed during the launch of the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCIN), a campaign that aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
Cervical cancer is a significant threat to women’s health globally, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women. In Nigeria, it is the second most common cancer after breast cancer, affecting the most vulnerable women. Senator Tinubu emphasized that this silent killer can be prevented, and it is this preventability that makes the fight against it all the more urgent and necessary.
The PECCIN campaign aims to bring an end to the menace of cervical cancer among women of all ages across Nigeria. It is a concerted effort that resonates with the Renewed Hope Agenda on Health of President Bola Tinubu, focused on enhancing the health and well-being of Nigerians, with a particular emphasis on eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
Nigeria has already shown promising results in the fight against cervical cancer. In 2024, the country successfully launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine nationwide, protecting over 12 million girls in just nine months. This breakthrough was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and support from global partners such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Gates Foundation, WHO, and UNICEF.
Senator Tinubu remains optimistic about Nigeria’s ability to achieve the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets, which would make cervical cancer a rare disease in the country. She highlighted the importance of the Federal Government’s continued appropriation of resources to sustain the Cancer Health Fund, aimed at reducing the financial burden of cancer treatment on individuals. With the support of the government, commitment from partners, and the dedication of healthcare professionals, she believes that Nigeria can make significant strides in the elimination of cervical cancer.
The core objective of the PECCIN partnership is multifaceted, focusing on mobilizing resources, raising awareness about cervical cancer, and providing access to screening and treatment services. By addressing these critical aspects, the campaign seeks to ensure that no woman in Nigeria has to die from a disease that is entirely preventable. As Senator Tinubu emphasized, the partnership will work tirelessly to make cervical cancer a rare occurrence in Nigeria, contributing to a healthier and more hopeful future for women across the country.
