In a bold move to combat cervical cancer, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has launched the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCIN). The initiative aims to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.
Senator Tinubu emphasized that cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Nigerian women, is a preventable disease that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. She highlighted the importance of collaborative action, urging stakeholders, governments, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to prioritize women’s health.
The First Lady’s efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Health, which focuses on promoting the well-being of Nigerians. Nigeria has made notable progress, including the successful rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protecting over 12 million girls.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, commended the First Lady’s dedication to improving healthcare, particularly in cancer prevention and control. He noted that the partnership would mobilize resources, raise awareness, and provide access to screening and treatment services.
The event featured testimonies from cervical cancer survivors, who encouraged women to get tested and treated. Students who received the HPV vaccine also urged their peers to get vaccinated.
With the Nigerian government’s commitment and support from global partners, the country is poised to make significant strides in eliminating cervical cancer. The PECCIN campaign marks a crucial step towards a future where no woman dies from this preventable disease.
