The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to cancer prevention and treatment by partnering with the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination. This collaboration aims to enhance access to cancer care, strengthen public health interventions, and reduce preventable deaths, particularly among women in the FCT.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, disclosed this in a statement marking World Cancer Day 2025, emphasizing that February 4 serves as a global call to action for better healthcare access and cancer awareness.
According to Dr. Fasawe, this year’s theme, “United by Unique,” aligns with the FCT’s commitment to equitable and compassionate cancer care. She highlighted key initiatives designed to curb cervical cancer, including:
- Free HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14
- Pap smear screenings in all FCT government hospitals
- Training of primary healthcare workers in early detection techniques
Dr. Fasawe described the recent visit of the National Task Force on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by former Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, as timely. She noted that the FCT plans to leverage the expertise and resources of the task force to strengthen prevention, screening, testing, and treatment efforts.
FCT Leads in Cancer Advocacy and Interventions
She further disclosed that the FCT was selected as the first state for engagement by the task force due to its strong performance in healthcare initiatives. The administration has already implemented several interventions, including:
- Colposcopy screening at Wuse District Hospital every Thursday
- Chemotherapy management at Asokoro District Hospital
- Cancer prevention activities in partnership with the City Cancer Foundation, including stakeholder mapping and needs assessments
- Training of primary healthcare workers in 62 healthcare facilities on cervical cancer detection techniques
Despite medical advancements, late-stage diagnosis, misinformation, and inadequate treatment facilities continue to contribute to high cancer mortality rates. Dr. Fasawe emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness, early detection, and improved access to treatment to combat the rising cases.
The Growing Cancer Burden in Nigeria
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with global statistics showing 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths recorded in 2022. In Nigeria alone, approximately 127,000 new cases and 79,000 deaths occurred, highlighting the pressing need for robust interventions.
Dr. Fasawe stressed the importance of tackling stigma, misinformation, and treatment delays, which hinder effective cancer management. She also revealed that the FCTA is working towards establishing fully equipped cancer centers to expand access to affordable cancer care, especially in underserved communities.
“Despite being preventable and treatable, cervical cancer continues to claim lives due to late detection and limited healthcare access. Through strategic partnerships and improved healthcare infrastructure, we aim to change this narrative,” she stated.
With this renewed commitment, the FCT Administration is set to play a pivotal role in advancing cancer prevention, early detection, and comprehensive care, ensuring that more lives are saved across the territory.
