No woman should die of cervical cancer – Health Minister

By Emmanuel Iheaka

OWERRI – The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has declared that no woman should die of cervical cancer, describing the disease as both preventable and treatable.

Salako made the remark on Thursday at the flag-off of the cervical cancer screening programme for the South-East in Imo State. The event was organised by the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination under the coordination of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The minister stressed that every life lost to cervical cancer represents a preventable tragedy, urging communities, religious institutions, and other stakeholders to embrace regular screening and awareness.

He disclosed that Nigeria has vaccinated about 15 women against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)—the major cause of cervical cancer—over the past three years, adding that the figure is reportedly three times what the entire African continent achieved within the same period.

Salako explained that Imo State was chosen for the flag-off due to the commitment of the state’s First Lady, Chioma Uzodimma, as well as the administration’s investments in the health sector.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria.

In his address, the Director-General of NICRAT, Usman Malami Aliyu, said cervical cancer continues to impose a heavy burden on Nigerian women despite being highly preventable and treatable when detected early.

He lamented that late presentation remains common due to gaps in awareness, access, and service delivery, particularly in underserved communities.

Aliyu said NICRAT aims to screen at least 10,000 women in Imo State while strengthening the state’s capacity to institutionalise routine cervical cancer screening.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 global strategy for cervical cancer elimination, describing it as a step toward building a sustainable early detection system across communities.

Also speaking, the wife of the Imo State Governor, Chioma Uzodimma, described cervical cancer as one of the greatest threats to women’s health. She expressed appreciation that Imo State was selected for the programme, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to healthcare delivery.

She urged women to take advantage of screening services and encourage others to do the same.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, also called for intensified awareness campaigns to ensure more women benefit from vaccination and screening, noting that the services are free and without adverse effects.

He urged traditional rulers, women groups, and community leaders to sensitise residents, stressing that early screening and detection remain key to curing cervical cancer.

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