FG harps on preventive approach to tackling cervical cancer

The Federal Government has said that a preventive approach to cervical cancer and other diseases is the best approach to tackle the country’s weak health infrastructure and poor funding.

The government, however, expressed its commitment to eliminating cervical cancer by the year 2030 in line with the World Health Organisation target. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, who stated this when he received a report from the Taskforce on Elimination of Cervical Cancer Committee; led by its Chairman, Prof Isaac Adewole in his office, underscored the critical strategy of early diagnosis of those that are not preventable and elimination of all preventable cancers.

He said: “We know that prevention is not only cheaper but also better than cure. So, elimination means that there should be attention to prevention at primary and secondary levels. And I believe that this is something that we need to continue to push.”

“This position is strengthened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s top priority for eliminating all preventable cancers and early diagnosis of those that are not preventable.”

Salako observed that the formation of a task force last year by the ministry demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to tackling cervical cancer and its elimination, aligning with the government’s vision of achieving universal health coverage for all Nigerians.

The minister urged the committee to ensure that screening and immunisation exercises are taken down to the grassroots.
He expressed optimism about the working relationship between the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and the committee towards achieving the government’s agenda for the health sector.

On funding, Salako assured that the ministry would support and accommodate some of the activities of the task force within the 2025 budget. While presenting the first quarter report to the minister, the Chairman of the Task Force, Prof Isaac Adewole, said the committee has 16 eminent Nigerians as members, who are committed and passionate about eliminating cervical cancer.

Highlighting some of the activities carried out from October to December last year, Adewole underscored the importance of collaborating with NICRAT to advance functions and achieve its mandate.