Stakeholders in the health sector have raised alarm over the rising cases of cervical cancer in the country, saying, that according to the World Health Organisation, WHO, Nigeria records no fewer than 7,968 deaths from the disease yearly.
They noted that cervical cancer was the second most common cancer in Nigerian women, saying it accounted for approximately 16 per cent of all female cancers.
The experts spoke at a vaccine awareness and uptake programme organised by Pathfinder, in partnership with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Nigeria Cancer Society, NCS, and Lagos State Primary Health Care Development Board, in Lagos.
An expert at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Adeniji Adebayo, said Nigeria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence in the world.
According to him, it not only affects the physical health of women but also takes a toll on families and communities.
Adebayo said: “Human Papillomavirus, HPV, is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, usually through sexual activity. The virus infects the genital areas of both men and women and can also affect the mouth and throat. The most common mode of transmission is through sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The virus can be passed from one person to another even if there are no visible signs of infection or symptoms.
“The best and most effective way to prevent HPV infections is through vaccination. Vaccines are available to protect against the most common and high-risk HPV strains that cause cancer and genital warts. The vaccine is typically recommended for pre-teens and young adults, ideally before they become sexually active. Nigeria is planning to introduce a single dose HPV vaccine (Gardasil) into the routine immunization schedule this year to protect against viral transmission.”
Speaking, President of MWAN, Dr Funmi Ige, said the association was interested in the health of men and women, stressing that parents should encourage their children, particularly young girls between the ages of nine and 14, to get the vaccine.
“Nobody should peddle rumours that people would be killed through vaccination because it is false. We want to take this message everywhere and we also encourage people to take this message to the grassroots because getting vaccinated is for everyone’s good,” Ige said.
On his part, the Media and Communications Officer at Pathfinder, Mr Bayo Ewuola, said: “This project is to enhance HPV vaccine awareness and uptake in Nigeria. Taking care of cervical cancer is very expensive, so it is easier to prevent. That is why we are partnering with stakeholders to increase awareness in the country, particularly in Lagos State because Lagos has a high population and only a few have received the vaccine. Treatment is different from cure, and we are at the preventive part.”