Pate Flags Off Programme On Cervical Cancer In Schools

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has launched the integration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into Nigeria’s school health programme as part of the federal government’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer nationwide.

Speaking during the flag-off sensitisation of HPV vaccine Integration held at Government Girls’ College Bauchi yesterday, Pate emphasised the importance of bringing the vaccination campaign to schools to ensure wider access and protection for young girls.

He expressed concern that every year in Nigeria, more than 12,000 women suffer from cervical cancer, saying the disease is preventable.

Prof. Pate noted that President Bola Tinubu was committed to eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria.

“In October 2023, President Tinubu flagged off the national HPV vaccination campaign. I am pleased that so far, Nigeria has covered 96% of all eligible cohorts in the first set that were vaccinated, which is among the highest in the world in terms of HPV vaccine coverage for that cohort. So it is an ongoing effort. Every cohort has to also be vaccinated.

“In addition to prevention through vaccination, regular screening offers a powerful tool, especially for older women. If detected early, cervical cancer can be effectively treated or even prevented entirely.”

He also praised first lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her donation of N1 billion to the Cervical Cancer Elimination Task Force, saying it reflected strong personal commitment to women’s health.

Pate urged parents to support the vaccination program, saying, “Four of my daughters have been vaccinated. I urge all parents to do the same for their children.”

He called on health officials to ensure students are reached and vaccinated, reaffirming his dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s youth, adding, “They are the future of our country.”

The minister further emphasised the need for a multi-sectoral approach, calling for collaboration among parents, civil society, academia, and state governments to achieve national cervical cancer elimination goals.

The director-general of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to improving health outcomes through the Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes the provision of quality healthcare services nationwide.

He said, “Nigeria records 12,000 cases of cervical cancer annually, and out of this figure 8,000 died. We know the cause, and we have the means to prevent it. That’s why President Tinubu insisted that we act now to protect our girls”.

Also speaking, secretary of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Task Force, Prof. Abubakar Malami said this is the first time Nigeria is implementing a school-based HPV vaccination program.

He explained that the HPV campaign is currently being piloted in six states and will soon be expanded to all 36 states of the federation.

“Since launching the campaign in 2023, we’ve screened and vaccinated 12.3 million girls aged 9 to 14. This is the largest cohort ever vaccinated anywhere in the world.”

Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Sani Muhammad Dambam, lauded Professor Pate for choosing Bauchi to launch the initiative.

He noted that the state has been proactive in its fight against cervical cancer through awareness campaigns, early screening programs, and community outreach.