Together Against Cervical Cancer: Nigeria’s Bold Move Toward a Healthier Future

-


On June 3, 2025, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, launched a powerful new initiative, the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCIN), a national campaign that aims to make cervical cancer a thing of the past.


Cervical cancer is currently the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria, after breast cancer. It silently claims the lives of thousands, particularly those in vulnerable communities. But the good news? It’s preventable.


A National Commitment, A Renewed Hope


At the launch event, the First Lady emphasized that now is the time for united action. Her message was clear:


“Cervical cancer is a silent killer. Yet, this is a cancer that is preventable. Together, we must invest in a future where no woman dies from a disease that can be stopped.”


This campaign supports the World Health Organization's 2030 goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health issue. That goal is ambitious, but Nigeria is showing that it’s possible.


Turning the Tide: The Power of the HPV Vaccine


One of the biggest wins in this fight came in 2024, when Nigeria launched the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine nationally. Within just nine months, over 12 million girls were vaccinated — a historic milestone.


Fast forward to today: 40 million girls have now been vaccinated.


This success was driven by the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and global partners like Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation.


More Than a Campaign - It’s a Movement


The First Lady called on all parts of society to be part of this effort:


  • State and local governments must make women’s health a priority.


  • Schools should champion immunization awareness.


  • Healthcare workers must improve screening and early detection.


  • Religious and traditional leaders should advocate truth and science.


  • Private and public sectors need to mobilize resources and funding.



Her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has already contributed ₦1 billion to the cause.


What the Experts Are Saying


Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, reinforced the importance of the partnership. He pointed to challenges like late diagnosis, lack of awareness, and limited treatment facilities — and stressed that these can be overcome with sustained commitment.


He also highlighted the work of the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer, led by Prof. Isaac Adewole, which has been pivotal in shaping policy and rallying support nationwide.


Real Stories, Real Impact


The event featured moving stories from survivors who beat cervical cancer thanks to early detection and treatment. Their message? “Cervical cancer is treatable — don’t wait.”


Students who’ve received the HPV vaccine also shared their voices, encouraging their peers to do the same and help protect future generations.


Looking Ahead


The road to eliminating cervical cancer by 2030 will require collaboration, education, funding, and consistent action. But with initiatives like PECCIN, the momentum is real and the goal is within reach.


Together, Nigeria is saying: no more needless deaths from a preventable disease. The future is hopeful, and the time to act is now.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

University of Lagos Alumni Association Elects New NEC Members

-
Image
The University of Lagos Alumni Association has elected new National Executive Council (NEC) members to steer its affairs for the next two years.  The new NEC members were elected at the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG, on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The meeting was attended by alumni members, both physically and virtually. The unveiling of the new NEC was sequel to the submission of the reports of the search and electoral committees, respectively.  The search committee which had Dr. John Momoh, as Chairman, produced officers for the National President (worldwide), the Vice President and National Secretary.  The Electoral Committee, which was chaired by Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, supervised the elections of officers for other positions. While the tenure of the National President, Vice President 1, National Publicity Secretary and National Social Secretary was renewed, other members of the NEC assumed new roles. The following...
Read more

Nigerian Children At Risk Of Losing Their Identity - First Lady

-
Image
.    L-R Former Minister, Chief Mrs Nike Akande, wife of former president, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Former First Lady, Mrs Victoria Gowon, the First Lady of the Federal republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the Vice President Hajia Nana Shettima and wife of the Senate President Mrs Ekaette Akpabio cutting the cake at an event tagged Celebrating the Mothers of our nation in commemoration of the First Anniversary of the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held in Abuja on Saturday 25th May Says Girls Going Naked, Not Part Of Nigerian Culture  Female President is possible if women unite - Victoria Gowon Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has warned that Nigerian children are at risk of losing their identity, if necessary, steps are not taken to make amends. She gave the warning at an event tagged “Celebrating the organized as part of activities to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office. The even...
Read more

MRA Calls on Governments to Make Human Rights a Lived Reality for All Nigerians

-
Image
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) on Tuesday called on Federal and State Governments to make human rights a lived reality for all Nigerians in accordance with their constitutional obligation to recognize and maintain human dignity.  It said that by so doing, they could begin to rebuild public trust in government, foster national unity, and unlock the true potential of the Nigerian people. In a statement issued in Lagos to commemorate this year’s International Human Rights Day, MRA lamented that the promise of human rights contained in the Constitution as well as in regional and international instruments that Nigeria is party to, has remained unfulfilled for far too many citizens as the country has spiraled into a jungle where only the fittest survive and human life has little value. MRA’s Programme Officer, Ms Esther Adeniyi, said in the statement: “The Federal Government has duties and obligations under international law to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. It cannot claim to ...
Read more