...Leads In Cervical, Anal, Oral Cancers — FG
The Federal Government has raised concerns over Nigeria’s mounting cancer crisis, revealing that the country accounts for nearly half of all cervical cancer cases reported across West Africa.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Tuesday at the official launch of a Mobile Truck Clinic, an HPV Molecular Laboratory, and a Research Hub at the University of Ibadan’s College of Medicine.
Describing the situation as “deeply alarming,” Salako said Nigeria alone contributes approximately 50 percent of the cervical cancer burden in the region, along with 62.6 percent of anal cancers and 56 percent of oral and oropharyngeal cancers among 16 West African countries.
He attributed the staggering figures to inadequate access to screening and early treatment, especially in rural and underserved areas, compounded by financial challenges and poor healthcare infrastructure.
“In low- and middle-income countries like ours, 20 to 30 percent of cancer cases are linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV),” the minister said. “This makes early detection and prevention through HPV screening essential, especially among vulnerable populations.”
Highlighting efforts to address the crisis, Salako said the introduction of mobile health units would significantly improve outreach and save lives by detecting cancer early.
“The Mobile Truck Clinic and the HPV Molecular Lab are strategic tools to close the gap in access to critical diagnostic services,” he added.
Representing the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, commended the initiative as a milestone in the country’s journey toward research-based health solutions.
“This is a bold step that offers hope to thousands of women at risk of preventable diseases and strengthens the role of academic institutions in national health development,” Adebowale said.
Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, described HPV as one of the most aggressive cancer-causing viruses and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to evidence-based, locally tailored interventions.
Also speaking, Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran, said the programme marked a national call to action, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against HPV-related cancers.
The Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, emphasized the dual role of the new facilities in delivering both medical services and critical research support.
In his remarks, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, pledged the state government’s support and called for the expansion of the mobile clinic project to all 33 local government areas in the state.
The event concluded with a renewed call for inter-sectoral collaboration to scale up awareness, screening, and treatment of HPV-related cancers across Nigeria.
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