The minister increases the alarm clock while Nigeria is at the top of cervical cancer in West Africa

...Leads in cervical, anal, oral – FG tumors

The federal government has raised concerns about the growing Nigeria cancer crisis, revealing that the country represents almost half of all cases of cervical cancer reported throughout western Africa.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Wellness, dr. Iziaq Salako, revealed it on Tuesday at the official launch of a mobile truck clinic, a HPV molecular laboratory and a research center at the University of Ibadan’s College of Medicine.

Describing the situation as “deeply alarming”, Salako said that only Nigeria contributes to about 50 percent of the burden of cervical cancer in the region, together with 62.6 percent of the Anal tumors and 56 % of oral and Oroophery cancers among the 16 countries of West Africa.

He attributed the stunning figures to inadequate access to screening and early treatment, in particular in rural and underlying areas, aggravated by financial challenges and poor health infrastructures.

“In low and medium income countries such as ours, 20-30 percent of cancer cases is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV),” said the minister. “This makes the detection and early prevention essential through the screening of HPV, especially among vulnerable populations.”

By highlighting the efforts to face the crisis, Salako said that the introduction of the mobile health units would significantly improve awareness and save lives by detecting cancer in advance.

“The mobile truck clinic and the HPV molecular laboratory are strategic tools to fill the gap in accessing critical diagnostic services,” he added.

Representing the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, deputy chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayodo Adbowale, praised the initiative as a milestone on the country’s trip to health -based health solutions.

“This is a bold step that offers hope to thousands of women at risk of preventable diseases and strengthens the role of academic institutions in the development of national health,” said Adbowale.

The general manager of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Nicrat), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, described the HPV as one of the most aggressive viruses that cause cancer and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment against custom -made interventions based on evidence based on evidence.

Even speaking, Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Temidayo Ogunderan, said that the program has marked an invitation to national action, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against tumors related to HPV.

The head of the medical director of the University College Hospital (Uch), prof. Jesse Otegbayo, underlined the double role of the new structures in providing both medical services and support to critical research.

In his observations, the deputy governor of the state of Oyo, Barr. Bayo Lawal, who represented governor Seyi Makinde, promised the support of the state government and asked for the expansion of the project of the mobile clinic in all 33 areas of the local government of the State.

The event ended with a renewed request for interretial collaboration to increase awareness, screening and treatment of tumors related to HPV throughout Nigeria.

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