The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has stated that Nigeria accounts for nearly half of all cervical cancer cases in West Africa.
He therefore emphasised that innovative approaches, such as the Mobile Truck Clinic, are essential for facilitating early detection and treatment of the disease particularly in underserved and rural areas, reports Nigeran Tribune.
Dr Salako, who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the mobile truck clinic, HPV molecular laboratory, and research hub at the College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan, stated that in low- and medium-income countries, nearly 20 to 30 per cent of all cancer cases are linked to HPV, particularly cervical, anal, and oral/oropharyngeal cancers.
He added, “Nigeria has one of the highest rates of HPV infections in the world, particularly among the sexually active population. Additionally, it bears a significant burden of HPV-associated cancers in both the general population and key affected groups.
“Nigeria alone accounted for nearly half of all reported cervical cancers, 62.6 per cent of anal cancer cases, and 56 per cent of all oral and oropharyngeal cancers (OOPC) among the 16 West African countries.”
Dr Salako noted that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of female cancer-related deaths among women Nigeria Nigeria and too many Nigerians continue to suffer and die from this condition that could have been prevented or effectively if detected early.
He added, “Lack of access due to financial constraints, distance, and poor connections to specialized facilities prevents timely care. The use of innovative strategies, such as the Mobile Truck Clinic, which could help bridge these gaps, is therefore a welcome initiative.
“There is no doubt that utilising a Mobile Truck Clinic to provide essential screening services directly to individuals, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, will aid in the early detection of diseases such as cervical cancer and other types of cancer, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.”
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in his address, declared that the mobile truck clinic, HPV molecular laboratory, and research hub are testaments to the University of Ibadan’s and Nigerian tertiary education’s commitment to translating knowledge into action and reducing deaths from preventable diseases such as cervical cancer.
The minister, represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, stated, “This project embodies hope—hope for countless women who will benefit from accessible screening, hope for a future free of cervical cancer, and hope for a Nigeria where its world-class intellect delivers world-class solutions for its people.”
Earlier, Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), reaffirmed NICRAT’s commitment to collaborating closely with the HPV consortium to uncover the scientific underpinnings of HPV-associated cancers.
According to him, “HPV is recognised as one of the most formidable oncogenic threats of our time. We are determined to contribute our institutional strength to develop home-grown, evidence-based strategies that reflect our unique epidemiological, social and health systems context.”
Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran, said the unveiled HPV Consortium Programmes, most notably the Mobile Truck Clinic and the Molecular Laboratory, are a call to action and partnership to ensure that no woman, no child, and no man is left behind in the fight against preventable diseases.
Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, expressed satisfaction that the Mobile Truck Clinic and the Molecular Laboratory will not only bring critical screening services closer to the people and reduce the incidence and mortality rates associated with HPV-related cancers in Nigeria but also serve as a hub for advanced molecular research, training and capacity building.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, assured of his government’s support for stemming HPV-related cancers in Nigeria and urged that the project be extended to all the 33 local governments in the state for the benefit of all.
