Nigeria Targets Elimination Of Cervical Cancer By 2030 As 17m Girls Receive HPV Vaccine
Nigeria is intensifying efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, but the Federal Government admits that gaps in screening and treatment remain a major challenge despite significant progress in HPV vaccination.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this at an international webinar organised by the Nigerian Academy of Medicine in collaboration with the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.
Salako said more than 17 million girls aged nine to 14 have received the single-dose HPV vaccine since the nationwide immunisation programme began in 2023.
He noted that Nigeria records about 13,676 new cervical cancer cases annually, with many diagnosed at advanced stages.
According to the Minister, the government is now prioritising HPV-based screening at primary healthcare centres, stronger referral systems and improved capacity for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Salako said the country’s strategy aligns with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 targets for vaccination, screening and treatment, adding that the government is working to push national HPV vaccination coverage beyond 80 per cent.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to increased domestic funding and stronger partnerships to make cervical cancer elimination a reality for Nigerian women and girls by 2030.
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