Government Sets 2030 Elimination Target
The Nigerian Federal Government has stated that it can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat by 2030 if access to screening is significantly expanded, domestic funding for cancer prevention is strengthened, and the momentum of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme is sustained.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made the assertion while delivering the opening address at an International Webinar on Science and Policy Discourse organized by the Nigerian Academy of Medicine in collaboration with the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination. He described cervical cancer as one of the world's most preventable cancers but lamented that it continues to claim the lives of thousands of Nigerian women due to late diagnosis and inadequate access to screening and treatment.
Heavy Disease Burden
According to Salako, Nigeria records an estimated 13,676 new cases of cervical cancer every year, with a significant proportion of patients presenting at advanced stages when treatment becomes more difficult and costly. “Behind these statistics are mothers, wives, daughters and contributors to our nation’s productivity,” the minister said.
Alignment with WHO Global Targets
The Nigerian government has made cervical cancer elimination a key national health priority by aligning its strategy with the World Health Organization's 90-70-90 targets. The global initiative seeks to ensure that 90% of eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine, 70% of women undergo screening, and 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment.
Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and with support from the Renewed Hope Initiative championed by the First Lady, Nigeria has adopted an integrated approach. One of the country's biggest achievements has been the rollout of the nationwide single-dose HPV vaccination programme introduced in 2023, which has already reached more than 17 million girls aged 9 to 14 years, making it one of the largest public health immunisation efforts in the country.
Screening Remains Biggest Challenge
Despite progress in vaccination, Salako admitted that screening and treatment remain the weakest links in Nigeria's cervical cancer response. The government is intensifying efforts to make HPV-based screening more accessible at primary healthcare centres, strengthen referral systems, and improve the capacity of institutions such as the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
The National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination has been established to coordinate interventions across government agencies and partners, ensuring Nigeria remains on course to meet its 2030 elimination target. Health information systems are also being strengthened to improve data collection, monitoring, and evaluation of cervical cancer prevention programmes nationwide.
Commitment to Sustainable Funding
Salako acknowledged the contributions of development partners including the Renewed Hope Initiative, Gavi, the Global Financing Facility, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. However, he stressed that long-term success will depend on increasing domestic investment in cancer prevention and control. The Federal Government is committed to progressively expanding local funding to guarantee the sustainability of cervical cancer interventions beyond donor support.
Call for Action
Salako also highlighted Nigeria's growing leadership role in global cervical cancer elimination efforts, noting that the country co-led the resolution establishing World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and is now serving as a model for similar initiatives across Africa and the Commonwealth. He urged participants to move beyond policy discussions and focus on implementing practical solutions, calling on governments, healthcare professionals, development partners, and civil society organisations to renew their commitment to making the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030 a reality for every Nigerian woman and girl.