Abuja: Prof. Isaac Adewole, Chairman of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE), has announced that Nigeria will need N2.2 trillion to execute comprehensive cervical cancer interventions from 2026 to 2030. This revelation was made during the launch of the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN), an initiative of the NTF-CCE, held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative, which was launched at the State House by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, aims to expedite Nigeria’s attainment of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets for cervical cancer elimination. PECCiN is designed to stimulate multi-sectoral efforts to prevent, screen, and treat cervical cancer by ensuring sustained coordination, resource mobilisation, and the scaling up of service delivery.
Adewole detailed that the planned interventions are divided into three segments: primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary treatment. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination programme will be implemented through fixed sessions at health facilities and through outreach-based immunisation campaigns. ‘The total direct implementation cost over the five years is estimated at N387.52 billion. Including administrative and supervisory costs, the total cost of HPV vaccination will amount to N426.28 billion,’ he stated.
Cervical cancer screening over the same period is projected to cost N351 billion, targeting 14.4 million women. For tertiary treatment, Adewole pointed out that nearly 300,000 women will need care for invasive cervical cancer between 2026 and 2030, with the country expected to spend approximately N1.42 trillion on treatment. ‘The cost per patient is anticipated to decrease from N8.7 million in 2026 to N4.1 million by 2030,’ he added.
Despite other competing priorities, Adewole emphasized the importance of investing in cervical cancer elimination due to its substantial return on investment. He appealed for commitment and support to implement effective cervical cancer elimination measures in Nigeria, ensuring financial protection for women throughout their lives and comprehensive HPV vaccination for eligible adolescents.
Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), announced the Federal Government’s launch of the HPV vaccine campaign on Oct. 24, 2023, targeting girls aged 9 to 14. He reported that 14 million girls had already received the vaccine, an achievement he described as unprecedented globally, made possible by strong leadership, governmental support, and media involvement.
Aina reiterated the agency’s dedication to maintaining the programme, noting that the HPV vaccine has been added to the routine immunisation schedule and that primary healthcare centres are being revitalised to support service delivery.
Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), described cervical cancer as a significant burden affecting women across communities. This concern led to the creation of the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer (2023-2037), which serves as a national roadmap for cervical cancer elimination.
Aliyu highlighted NICRAT’s formation of a national taskforce of experts and stakeholders to drive implementation, as well as efforts to promote innovative research, standardise treatment protocols, and expand culturally sensitive awareness and screening campaigns.
The event included the presentation of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan and the unveiling of the PECCiN partnership logo.