Stakeholders in Nigeria's healthcare sector have urged for a stronger collaboration between the federal government and the private sector to enhance cancer prevention and provide equitable access to care. This call was made during a high-level policy roundtable in Abuja, organised by MSD, in partnership with Africa Health Business. The meeting focused on accelerating cervical cancer elimination through strengthened institutional alignment, expanded HPV vaccination, and innovative financing.
The federal government reported that over 18 million girls had received vaccination against cervical cancer as of September. This was achieved through the national HPV vaccination programme launched in October 2023, making it one of the largest single-country efforts globally. The programme targets girls aged between nine and 14 years. According to MSD External Affairs Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Vuyo Mjekula, Nigeria continues to make meaningful progress towards cervical cancer elimination.
Despite progress, stakeholders noted that greater private sector participation is crucial to sustaining efforts across prevention, screening, treatment, and financing. Mjekula emphasized that stronger collaboration among government, private sector, healthcare providers, civil society, and patient advocates is necessary to build on the current momentum. The private sector can complement government efforts, support sustainable access, and extend the reach of prevention initiatives.
Director, Disease Control and Immunisation at National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Rufai Ahmed Garba, provided an update on the vaccination programme. As of September, Nigeria had vaccinated over 18 million girls, achieving about 76 per cent of the target. The vaccine is now part of routine immunisation, free in public facilities for 9-year-olds, and available in private clinics for older age groups.
Nigeria faces a significant burden of cervical cancer, with about 12,000 new cases and nearly 8,000 deaths recorded yearly. Garba described cervical cancer as a serious public health threat, warning that cases are now seen in younger women. He cited two cases of stage 3 cancer in 23 and 26-year-olds at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.
Poor adolescent health-seeking behaviour was identified as a major gap in addressing cervical cancer. Garba stressed the need for improved health-seeking behaviour among adolescents. MSD continues to play a key role in cervical cancer elimination in Nigeria through ensuring vaccine access to young adolescents and creating enlightenment.
The Nigerian government has made cervical cancer elimination a national priority, with a dedicated strategic plan aligning with WHO 90-70-90 targets. Cervical cancer is also among the top three cancers covered by the Cancer Health Fund. Stakeholders believe that with stronger collaboration and innovative approaches, Nigeria can accelerate progress towards cervical cancer elimination.
Key points
- Over 18 million girls vaccinated against cervical cancer in Nigeria as of September.
- Stakeholders call for stronger government-private sector collaboration to enhance cancer prevention.
- Nigeria records about 12,000 new cervical cancer cases and nearly 8,000 deaths yearly.
