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ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria will need ₦2.2 trillion to roll out comprehensive cervical cancer initiatives between 2026 and 2030, according to Isaac Adewole, chair of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE).
Speaking at the launch of the Partnership to Eliminate Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN) in Abuja on Tuesday, the former health minister said the initiative is designed to fast-track the country’s progress toward the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets.
The project was unveiled at the State House by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and is expected to bolster cross-sectoral efforts to prevent, screen, and treat cervical cancer through strategic coordination, resource mobilization, and expanded service delivery.
Adewole said the plan includes:
- Primary prevention through HPV vaccinations,
- Secondary prevention via screening programmes, and
- Tertiary treatment for invasive cervical cancer cases.
He revealed that the HPV vaccination campaign will cost ₦426.28 billion, with vaccines to be administered at fixed health centres and via outreach drives. Screening for 14.4 million women will require ₦351 billion.
Treatment costs for nearly 300,000 women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer are projected at ₦1.42 trillion, with the per-patient cost expected to decline from ₦8.7 million in 2026 to ₦4.1 million by 2030.
Despite fiscal challenges, Adewole urged stakeholders to support the initiative, citing its long-term benefits: “This investment will ensure financial protection for women and prevent adolescents from being left behind in HPV immunisation.”
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), announced that since the HPV vaccine campaign began on October 24, 2023, 14 million girls aged 9 to 14 have received the vaccine, marking a significant milestone globally.
He attributed the success to high-level leadership from President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, inter-ministerial coordination, community support, and media advocacy. He noted the HPV vaccine is now part of Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme, supported by revitalised primary healthcare centres.
Dr. Usman Aliyu, director-general of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), called cervical cancer a significant national burden. He said the 2023–2037 National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Cervical Cancer will guide interventions, combining global best practices with local realities.
NICRAT has assembled a national taskforce to lead implementation and is also advancing innovative research, standardised treatment protocols, and culturally appropriate awareness campaigns.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan and the PECCiN partnership logo.
