In a bold move to eradicate cervical cancer and align with global health objectives, the End Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (ECCN) initiative has announced a high-level summit to foster collaboration and scale up best practices in tackling the disease.
Dr. Ishaq Lawal, Executive Director of ECCN and a renowned gynecologist, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in combating cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian women.
“We want to bring all stakeholders together to brainstorm, catalyze, and scale up best practices. One person cannot achieve cervical cancer elimination; it requires collaborative efforts,” Dr. Lawal said.
Summit Objectives
The summit aims to provide a platform for policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and community leaders to share successful initiatives, cross-fertilize ideas, and amplify efforts to prevent and treat cervical cancer.
“There are individuals doing well in their own corners. Let them come together. We will provide visibility, brainstorm, and scale up best practices,” Dr. Lawal added.
The initiative seeks to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cervical cancer elimination targets, which include 90% HPV vaccination coverage among adolescent girls and 70% screening of eligible women.
Developing Local Solutions
Dr. Lawal underscored the importance of local solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges, noting that global strategies often fall short in addressing the realities faced by developing nations.
“The essence of the summit is to develop locally relevant solutions. Currently, global literature suggests no clear path for developing countries to achieve these targets. This summit will bring stakeholders together to brainstorm and chart a path forward,” he explained.
Government Efforts and the Need for Coordination
While commending the Nigerian government for its initiatives in cervical cancer prevention, Dr. Lawal called for better coordination among stakeholders to ensure sustainable progress.
“No matter what the government does, if efforts are not coordinated, we can’t be on the path to elimination. It is a collective effort, and currently, the government is making positive impact,” he noted.
A National Priority
With thousands of women diagnosed annually, cervical cancer poses a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. The upcoming summit is expected to mobilize resources, build partnerships, and establish a roadmap for achieving WHO targets within the stipulated timelines.
Through a unified approach, the ECCN initiative hopes to ensure that every Nigerian woman has access to HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment.
This collaborative effort represents a pivotal step toward reducing the burden of cervical cancer and enhancing women’s health nationwide.
