The federal government has formed a 15-member group to eliminate cervical cancer in the country. Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, established the National Task Force Committee for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, as it is known, in Abuja.
He explained that the formation of the committee, chaired by former Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, is in line with the National Strategic Plan for Cervical Cancer Control 2023-2027, specifically in meeting the ambitious goal of screening 50% of eligible women at least once in their lifetime and treating 100% of precancerous lesions detected by 2027.
The Minister stated that the Task Force Committee is responsible for providing expert assistance, mobilising resources, and spearheading a comprehensive national effort to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria.
Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, a worldwide renowned cancer champion, will serve as Vice Chairman of the Task Force Committee, which will also include Prof Sani A. Malami as Secretary.
The Minister stated that the Committee’s terms of reference include mobilising potential stakeholders and partners and gaining their buy-in to support the nationwide campaign for the screening and treatment of cervical cancer; establishing a ‘basket-fund’ to pool and administer funds/donations/grants secured from the government, private sector, philanthropic organisations, development partners, and NGOs for the effective implementation of the program; and establishing screening protocol.
Other terms of reference include developing and implementing the training of public and private healthcare providers in cervical cancer screening and treatment in the six geopolitical zones; collaborating with the relevant national and sub-national agencies to provide the infrastructural requirements for sampling, testing, and treatment; and designing and executing communication strategies to educate women and communities about cervical cancer and establish a partnership with the government.
The Task Force Committee is also intended to provide quarterly progress, challenge, and achievement reports to Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
Prof Isaac F Adewole, Chairman; Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, Vice Chairman; Dr. Usman Waziri Mohammed, Dr. Yinka Olaniyan, Prof Okechukwu Ikpeze, Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, Dr. Lolade Adeyemi, Prof Mukhtar Gadanya, and Prof Imran-Morhasson-Bello. Other members include Dr. Rakiya Saidu, Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, Prof. Ima-Obong Ekanem, Chief (Mrs) Moji Makanjuola, Dr. Garba Bakunawa, and Prof. Sani A. Malami.
