The federal government on Wednesday launched the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in Owerri, as part of its deliberate efforts to curb the rising cancer cases in the country.

Speaking at the event, deputy health minister Iziaq Salako reiterated the federal government’s unwavering commitment to the “transformative initiative”.

Mr Salako said that the programme reflected President Bola Tinubu’s vision to treat the lives and health of Nigerian women as a national priority.

He said that the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment in 2023 was a landmark decision to ensure cancer care had a permanent institutional hold.

“This signals that the Federal Government recognises cancer, including cervical cancer, as a national health priority deserving a permanent institutional hold,” Mr Salako said.

He also disclosed that the government’s launch of the National Strategic Cervical Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030) was a comprehensive framework designed to set specific targets and resource requirements for nationwide cancer control.

He explained that Imo was selected as the South-East flagship due to the visible commitment of Governor  Hope Uzodimma and his wife to maternal and child health.

NICRAT’s director-general, Usman Aliyu, disclosed that the Owerri rollout was not merely symbolic but a strategic operation with a clear immediate goal to screen at least 10,000 women across the state.

Mr Aliyu explained that the programme was designed to move Nigeria closer to the WHO 90-70-90 strategy, a global initiative aimed at eliminating cervical cancer through high rates of vaccination, screening, and treatment.

He further explained that the programme, driven by the Partnership for Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme in Nigeria, focuses on four key pillars, namely strategic leadership, capacity building, health equity, and sustainability.

He commended the leadership of the National Task Force, headed by Prof. Isaac Adewole, and the Federal Ministry of Health for providing the policy direction necessary to move from “ambition to implementation”.

In a speech to formally launch the exercise, Mr Uzodimma underscored the urgent need for increased awareness at the grassroots. He called on women across the state to come forward for both screening and vaccination, reassuring the public that the “vaccine is free and safe”.

(NAN)