Over 12,000 women in Nigeria are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, despite the disease being largely preventable through vaccination and early intervention, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate.
Dr. Pate made this known on Saturday during the launch of the cervical cancer vaccine campaign and a sensitisation programme for the integration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The event took place at Government Girls College, Bauchi, and was attended by health officials, educators, students, and members of the public.
Cervical cancer, caused primarily by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria, after breast cancer. It affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and is especially dangerous because it often shows no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.
Dr. Pate stressed that cervical cancer can be prevented if people take the right steps, especially through early vaccination of girls before exposure to the virus.
“With the HPV vaccine, we know this disease can be prevented if vaccination is administered early to individuals who are susceptible to the virus and at risk of eventually developing cervical cancer,” he said.
The minister noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is strongly committed to this cause. He recalled that the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign was officially flagged off in October 2023, marking a key milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cervical cancer.
“We must work together across federal, state, and local levels to protect the future of our girls. It starts with awareness, followed by action,” Dr. Pate added.
HPV is a group of viruses that are very common worldwide. Certain types of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer. The virus is usually transmitted through sexual contact, and most people are infected with it shortly after becoming sexually active.
The good news, however, is that vaccines against HPV have proven to be highly effective in preventing the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer.
In his remarks at the event, Dr. Usman Malami, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, underlined the importance of vaccination as a powerful preventive measure.
“Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers with a clearly identified cause. Since we know what causes it and how to prevent it, we must act fast and decisively,” Dr. Malami said.
He further explained that HPV vaccination, when given to girls between ages 9 and 14, offers long-term protection against the virus and significantly reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer in adulthood.
Bauchi State is one of the key focus areas in the national campaign due to its large population and the urgent need for public health interventions. According to state officials, many girls and women remain unaware of the risks of cervical cancer and the importance of getting vaccinated.
Saturday’s sensitisation campaign aimed to educate schoolgirls, teachers, parents, and traditional leaders about the HPV vaccine and its role in preventing cervical cancer.
Local government health workers also received training on how to deliver the vaccine, engage with communities, and handle vaccine storage and distribution
