By Saint Mugaga

The Chairman of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE), Prof. Isaac Adewole, on Monday reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to ending cervical cancer.

Prof. Adewole made the remarks while addressing reporters at the National Assembly on Monday ahead of activities marking World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day.

Adewole, who was represented by the Director Cancer Prevention and Control, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Dr Usman Waziri, described the disease as a preventable tragedy that continues to claim thousands of lives.

The Task Force, he said, secured a ₦1 billion donation from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to support nationwide screening.

He said the Task Force recently constituted a national project implementation subcommittee chaired by Prof Okechukwu Ikpeze, the president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON).

“The committee has been mandated to plan a nationwide rollout of HPV testing across the 6 geopolitical zones, using the N1 billion billion Naira donation from Her Excellency as seed funding. The beneficiary state’s commitment to counterpart funding to ensure sustainability is a prerequisite for selecting the 6 states for the pilot,” he said.

He said this year’s theme, ‘Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer,’ reflects our commitment to expanding vaccination, screening, and treatment initiatives across the country.

He noted that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Nigerian women.

“In 2022, Nigeria recorded 14,089 new cases and 8,240 deaths, with a fatality rate of about 60 percent. Despite available vaccines and early detection methods, the disease remains a serious public health challenge,” he added.

Prof. Adewole highlighted Nigeria’s role on the global stage, saying, “In 2018, Nigeria was the only country to join WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the United Nations General Assembly to call for international collaboration to eliminate cervical cancer. This led to the launch of the global elimination strategy on November 17, 2020.”

He also explained the establishment of the NTF-CCE in 2024. “The Task Force is chaired by myself, with Prof. Sani Malami, former president of the Nigerian Cancer Society, as secretary, and Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, president-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), as vice chair,” Prof. Adewole said.

Prof. Adewole also outlined the launch of the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN), which targets vaccinating 8 million adolescent girls and screening 8 million women annually.

“The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency will lead vaccine delivery, while the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment oversees screening,” he said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s vaccination progress: “While only 6 million girls were vaccinated across Africa in 2022, Nigeria alone has vaccinated over 15 million girls in two years, tripling coverage on the continent.”

On today’s commemoration, Prof. Adewole said, “The National Assembly will be illuminated in teal, the international colour for cervical cancer awareness, to recognise the role of legislation in improving access to free screening in public health facilities.”

“Our goal is clear: to put Nigeria firmly on the path to cervical cancer elimination. With political support, public engagement, and effective implementation of vaccination and screening programs, we can prevent needless deaths and save lives,” Prof. Adewole said.

He urged collaboration with state governments, health agencies, and civil society to achieve the Task Force’s ambitious targets.

…….As It Warns Will it Kill More Africans Than HIV/AIDS, Malaria Combined

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, raised alarm at the rate at which antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is killing more people in sub-Saharan Africa than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined, calling it a “silent pandemic” that threatens decades of global health progress.
This was contained in a statement issued by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, to commemorate the 2025 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), in Abuja.

“Antimicrobial Resistance is silently undermining decades of health progress. Medicines that once cured infections no longer work. AMR is everyone’s business,” Janabi warned.
“Doing nothing is not an option. AMR is here, and we must act now.”

Janabi revealed alarming statistics showing the continent bears the highest burden of drug-resistant infections:

1.27 million deaths globally in 2019 were directly caused by AMRwith sub-Saharan Africa recording the highest mortality.

Major killers include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, each responsible for more than 100,000 AMR-linked deaths.

In 2021 alone, an estimated 1.14 million AMR-related deaths occurred globally, again with Africa worst affected.

“This is not a far-off crisis; it is here now and causing significant morbidity and mortality in our region,” Janabi stressed.

According to the WHO chief, the inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals, poor water and sanitation systems, and limited diagnostic capacity are accelerating the spread of resistant infections across Africa’s 47 Member States.

He emphasized that education and awareness must underpin all AMR response efforts:

“Understanding AMR is key to catalysing positive behaviour change. Addressing the misuse of antimicrobials begins with strong education.”

Janabi highlighted ongoing efforts by African governments, supported by WHO and quadripartite partners (FAO, UNEP, WOAH, Africa CDC and AU-IBAR):

All 47 African countries now have multisectoral National Action Plans on AMR.

25 countries (53%) are using WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS).

32 countries (68%) are implementing interventions to promote responsible antimicrobial use in communities and health facilities.

Over 220 officials from 20 countries have received leadership training to strengthen AMR governance and coordination.

“These gains show the power of accurate data, national commitment and cross-sector collaboration,” Janabi said.

Call to Governments, Health Workers, Communities and Youth

The WHO Regional Director issued a broad call to action:

For Governments:“Prioritize sustainable funding and translate commitments into domestic financing.”

For Health Professionals: “Prescribe responsibly and uphold infection prevention standards.”

For Environmental Regulators: “Reduce environmental contamination from antimicrobial waste.”

For Civil Society: “Be behaviour change champions, accountability watchdogs and equity advocates.”

For the Public: “Do not buy antibiotics on the streets. Do not self-medicate. Complete every prescribed dose.”

For Youth: “Use your voice, your platforms, your influence. Be the generation that preserves the power of antibiotics.”

Janabi warned that AMR is not just a medical problem but a multisectoral threat affecting agriculture, food security, economic development and the environment.

“Together, through One Health action, innovation and accountability, we can mitigate this silent pandemic and secure a healthier, safer future for Africa and the world.”

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA), and the Royal School of Education Therapy Foundation, at the weekend reiterated that persons with special needs must be included in healthcare planning, as stakeholders warned that gaps in access and awareness continue to put vulnerable families at risk.

This agreement was reached during the second edition of the Free Family Health Fair, organised by the Foundation in collaboration with the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, which focused on children with developmental disabilities, maternal health, and preventive care.

Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Badewa Adejube Williams, said the fair aimed to confront dangerous health myths and ensure parents understood critical developmental milestones for children with special needs.

She revealed that, in the FCT alone, over 250,000 children with developmental disabilities had been identified, though many more likely remain undocumented, especially in rural areas.

“When you look at a child, you have to look at the child holistically. What was the birthing process like? Was the mother even getting prenatal care? Most parents don’t keep record of such things.

“There are essential markers that will be an indicator that a child has a developmental disorder, and if you find that early enough and begin intervention early enough, there is a better chance for the child to improve,” she said.

On her part the Acting Director of the FCTA Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Salma Belgore, warned that persons with special needs must be deliberately prioritised under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF.

Belgore who was represented by the acting Head of Equity and Special Programmes, Vershima Igyundu, said sidelining this group has long-term consequences for families and the health system.

“Persons with special needs represent one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities, often experiencing significant barriers in accessing timely, affordable, and quality healthcare. As we continue strengthening the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Program, it is critical that their enrollment remains a top priority.

“A health system is only as strong as its ability to reach those who are most at risk of being left behind. By deliberately enrolling persons with special needs, we demonstrate our commitment to equity, fairness, and the principle that every life, regardless of ability, deserves protection.”

Meanwhile, Osayande Osagie of the FCT Hospital Management Board highlighted the dangers of misinformation and secrecy during pregnancy, particularly around procedures such as caesarean sections, which he said save countless lives.

“We also want to find out about your social history. Your age, your job, drug history, medical history, alcohol usage among other things. After that we want to do a general examination, take your height, weight, so we can calculate your BMI, body mass index, among other examinations so we can identify those at risk of diabetes or blood pressure. We want to have an idea if the pregnant woman has enough blood,” he explained.

Hundreds of residents were screened for diabetes, hypertension, BMI, and other risk factors at the fair. Organisers stressed that the fair is part of an ongoing effort to spark essential conversations about disability inclusion, preventive care, and access to health services across the FCT.