Nigeria Establishes Task Force To Eliminate Cervical Cancer

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024. The Federal Government of Nigeria has established a 15-member National Task Force Committee for Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE). This initiative marks a significant step towards the country's ambitious goal of eliminating cervical cancer, with targets set to screen 50% of eligible women and treat 100% of detected precancerous lesions by 2027.

The committee, chaired by former Health Minister Prof Isaac Adewole with Zainab Bagudu as Vice Chairman and Prof Sani Malami as Secretary, represents a concentrated effort to combat one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women in Nigeria.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, emphasized the critical role of this task force in achieving the objectives outlined in the National Strategic Plan for Control of Cervical Cancer 2023-2027. He stated, "This committee is crucial to achieving the ambitious goals we have set. Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable in our fight against cervical cancer."

The NTF-CCE's responsibilities are far-reaching and multifaceted. They will spearhead the training of healthcare providers across the nation's six geo-political zones ensuring both public and private sectors are equipped to screen for and treat cervical cancer effectively. Additionally, the committee will work closely with national and sub-national agencies to establish the necessary infrastructure for sampling, testing and treatment.

A key aspect of the task force's mandate is to mobilize stakeholders and partners, gaining their support for this nationwide campaign. As part of this effort, the committee will establish a 'basket fund' to pool resources from various sources, including government, private sector, philanthropic organizations, development partners and NGOs.

The committee's scope extends to developing comprehensive screening protocols and algorithms, utilizing advanced methods such as HPV testing. They will also create clear referral pathways for women with positive test results, ensuring prompt and effective care.

To maintain transparency and track progress, the task force will submit quarterly reports through Prof Usman Aliyu, Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT). These reports will detail the initiative's progress, challenges faced and achievements made.

This bold initiative by the Nigerian government represents a significant stride in public health policy. By focusing on prevention and early detection, the country aims to drastically reduce the impact of cervical cancer, potentially saving thousands of lives.

As this program unfolds, it will undoubtedly serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar health challenges. The success of this initiative could mark a turning point in the global fight against cervical cancer, demonstrating the power of coordinated action in tackling pressing health issues.

Source: The Guardian News

Related: 

Cervical cancer treatment and the challenges for African women

Progress On Cervical Cancer Elimination in Africa

Published: AUGUST 26, 2024

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