A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Dr. Qudus Lawal said implementing the World Health Organization’s cervical cancer strategic interventions will help eliminate the disease in the country. He emphasized that Nigeria already possesses the tools and know‑how needed to achieve these interventions.
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cases are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. The WHO has set 90‑70‑90 targets to be met by 2030: vaccinate 90 % of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15; screen 70 % of women with a high‑performance test by ages 35 and 45; and treat 90 % of women with precancerous lesions and 90 % of those with invasive cancer. Achieving these goals, according to Dr. Lawal, requires active participation from youths.
The gynaecologist noted that 83 % of cervical cancer cases occur in low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs), where resources are limited and 80 % of patients present late, making the disease a leading cause of cancer deaths in these regions. Globocan data from 2020 show over 600,000 new cases and more than 340,000 preventable deaths worldwide. In Nigeria, an incidence of 12,075 cases and 7,968 deaths makes it the African country with the highest absolute number of cases, underscoring its critical role in meeting the global elimination target.
CANCAD Nigeria, a youth‑based cancer advocacy group, argues that failure to eliminate cervical cancer is not an option because the necessary tools and expertise already exist. The group is mobilising young people to act now so that future generations can live in a cervical‑cancer‑free world.
To mark World Cancer Day on February 4, CANCAD Nigeria organised a documentary screening titled “Conquering Cancer” at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. Participants brainstormed four workshop topics: the role of government, advocacy in rural communities, collaboration among stakeholders, and the need for school‑based advocacy clubs. The event’s highlight was the awarding of cash prizes for an essay competition on “The Role of Youths in Improving Cervical Cancer Awareness and HPV Vaccination Uptake in Rural Communities.” David Ihonde and Rhoda Paul‑Osagie of the Medicine Department won first and second place, respectively, while Sandra Egbujuo of the Nursing Department secured third place.
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