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  • ‘Tackling cervical cancer in Northeast requires collective approach’

    ‘Tackling cervical cancer in Northeast requires collective approach’

    Prof Bala Audu, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, has emphasised the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to address cervical cancer in the North-east region. He made this statement during a training for trainers’ event, organised for 36 participants representing the six states under the North-east collaboration for cervical cancer elimination (NE-C3E). The event was a joint initiative involving the North-East Development Commission, University of Miami, and Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare.

     As a professor of gynaecological oncology, Audu highlighted the importance of enhancing the skills and knowledge of medical personnel. He emphasised that strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals is crucial in eradicating this disease from the region. Cervical cancer, a significant global health challenge, particularly affects sub-Saharan Africa, making it imperative for focused efforts and collaborative strategies to combat it effectively.

     He said the impact of the collaboration by stakeholders would build the capacity of medical personnel in terms of knowledge skills so as to deliver on all the triple approach by the World Health Organisation (WHO), from primary healthcare level which will help to mobilise the community to secondary and tertiary care level of managing the complicated cases. “We believe that from the support from NEDC and each of every state that the North-east of Nigeria will be the first part of the country to eliminate cervical cancer. There are 36 participants, drawn from all the six states of the North-East and across the senatorial zones and they are expected to do a cascade down training to each Local Government Areas with three PHCs making 112,” he said.

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     Also speaking, the Managing Director NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, said the initiative was hinged on improving the lives of residents in the region. Speaking through the General Manager, Relief and Remediation under Humanitarian Directorate, Sa’adatu Ahmed-Shehu, Alkali said “As a Commission, we want to touch the lives of the people of the North-east at the grassroots most especially and if we are able to achieve this, it will be a great plus towards achieving our set mandate.”

     In his own remark, Gombe State Commissioner for Health Habu Dahiru, said “the incidence of cervical cancer is quite high in Gombe State. With this collaboration, there will be improved access which will bring patients for screening, treatment and there will be demand creation through Primary Health Care Development Agency.”

  • ‘Tackling cervical cancer in Northeast requires collective approach’

    ‘Tackling cervical cancer in Northeast requires collective approach’

    Prof Bala Audu, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, has emphasised the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to address cervical cancer in the North-east region. He made this statement during a training for trainers’ event, organised for 36 participants representing the six states under the North-east collaboration for cervical cancer elimination (NE-C3E). The event was a joint initiative involving the North-East Development Commission, University of Miami, and Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare.

     As a professor of gynaecological oncology, Audu highlighted the importance of enhancing the skills and knowledge of medical personnel. He emphasised that strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals is crucial in eradicating this disease from the region. Cervical cancer, a significant global health challenge, particularly affects sub-Saharan Africa, making it imperative for focused efforts and collaborative strategies to combat it effectively.

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     He said the impact of the collaboration by stakeholders would build the capacity of medical personnel in terms of knowledge skills so as to deliver on all the triple approach by the World Health Organisation (WHO), from primary healthcare level which will help to mobilise the community to secondary and tertiary care level of managing the complicated cases. “We believe that from the support from NEDC and each of every state that the North-east of Nigeria will be the first part of the country to eliminate cervical cancer. There are 36 participants, drawn from all the six states of the North-East and across the senatorial zones and they are expected to do a cascade down training to each Local Government Areas with three PHCs making 112,” he said.

     Also speaking, the Managing Director NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, said the initiative was hinged on improving the lives of residents in the region. Speaking through the General Manager, Relief and Remediation under Humanitarian Directorate, Sa’adatu Ahmed-Shehu, Alkali said “As a Commission, we want to touch the lives of the people of the North-east at the grassroots most especially and if we are able to achieve this, it will be a great plus towards achieving our set mandate.”

     In his own remark, Gombe State Commissioner for Health Habu Dahiru, said “the incidence of cervical cancer is quite high in Gombe State. With this collaboration, there will be improved access which will bring patients for screening, treatment and there will be demand creation through Primary Health Care Development Agency.”

  • 7.7 million Nigerian girls to be vaccinated against cervical cancer

    7.7 million Nigerian girls to be vaccinated against cervical cancer

    • Campaign kicks off in 15 states, FCT

    No fewer than 7.7 million Nigerian girls are expected to be vaccinated against cervical cancer in the first phase of rollout in 15 states and FCT, The Nation learned.

    Already, the country through the support of Gavi and other partners has procured six million doses for the rollout campaign.

    Another batch of eight million doses is expected before the end of December, according to Emily Kobayashi, Head of HOV Programme, Gavi.

    Under the new immunisation protocol, girls aged 9-14 will receive a single dose of the vaccine, which is highly effective at preventing infection of HPV types that are known to cause at least 70 percent of cervical cancers.

    At the beginning of the rollout in Abuja and Nasarawa, no fewer than 500 girls were vaccinated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

    Read Also: Enugu begins fight to prevent cervical cancer

    Rolling out the vaccination at Junior Secondary School, Asokoro, and Primary and Junior Secondary School in Bakin-Ado, Karu, Nasarawa State on Thursday in Abuja, the international NGOs expressed their happiness with the turnout of the pupils and the acceptability of the vaccine by the traditional and religious leaders and parents of the young girls.

      The President, Local Government Traditional Council, and Esu Karu, Pharm. Luka Panya Baba described the HPV vaccine as a lifesaving vaccine.

    According to him, “We have discussed extensively with religious leaders about its benefits to the community. There are quite a number of countries that have since introduced the vaccine.”

    Similarly, the Karu Local Government Chairman, Hon. James Thomas said he is glad that the government and the partners find Karu worthy to benefit from the gesture. He said he had sensitised his council on the benefits of the HPV vaccine.

    The Head of HPV Program, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Emily Kabayasi said, she was impressed about the turnout of the children, and the cooperation of the Traditional and religious leaders and parents.

    The vaccine, which is very effective in preventing infection with HPV strains 16 and 18, which are known to be responsible for at least 70% of cervical malignancies.

    The five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will be followed with routine immunisation schedules within health facilities.

    Over 35,000 health workers have been trained in preparation for the campaign and subsequent vaccine delivery to ensure no eligible girl is left behind.

  • First Lady expresses concern over high incidence of cervical cancer in Nigeria

    First Lady expresses concern over high incidence of cervical cancer in Nigeria

    The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, raised concern over the high incidence of cervical cancer in the country during the national launch of the HPV vaccine introduction to the National Immunization Programme in Abuja on Tuesday, October 24.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Busola Kukoyi, special adviser on media to the First Lady.

    Tinubu emphasised that the initiative does not end with the introduction of the vaccine into the routine immunization schedule but there must be a focus on education and awareness about the virus.

    The First Lady said regular screenings must be encouraged and there must be improved access to healthcare with behavioural interventions as well.

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    She noted: “For me, I will recommend that girls who are under 18 years of age and sexually active, avail themselves the opportunity of this vaccine, to avoid a future of ill-health and possibly, death.

    “In conclusion, I want to emphasize that the introduction of the HPV vaccine into our routine immunization schedule is a significant step forward in our mission to protect the health and future of our nation’s womenfolk and it will lead to a structured and systematic way of achieving a cervical cancer free generation.”

    She noted that the initiative goes beyond preventing cervical cancer but also demonstrates the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu GCFR’s administration to gender equity and empowering women to take control of their health.

    Speaking earlier, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof, Mohammed Ali Pate emphasized that the vaccine is safe, effective, and already in use in several countries of the world.

    He stated: “No father or mother who really understands they can prevent a serious disease will stop their daughters from taking the vaccine, except they really do not understand.”

    In their goodwill messages, the Sultan of Sokoto, health sector partners, and others, said the introduction of the vaccine will go a long way to enhance the health of the female folk in the country.

    The First Lady later supervised the administration of the vaccine on the girls present at the event.

  • Cervical cancer: FG to introduce HPV vaccines for women

    Cervical cancer: FG to introduce HPV vaccines for women

    The federal government on Monday, August 28, said it is set to introduce the lifesaving Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to help women prevent cervical cancer on September 25, 2023.

    It stated that while many have been killed by the disease, the administration of the HPV vaccine to girls between the ages of 9 and 15 years would prevent them from coming down with cervical cancer.

    The government, therefore, urged religious leaders – Christians and Muslims to help raise awareness in their congregations about the free HPV vaccines, dispel myths and misconceptions about the vaccine, and encourage their members to embrace better health-seeking behaviours.

    Speaking during the bi-annual review meeting of religious leaders on Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the senior special adviser to the minister, Emmanuel Odu said: “I acknowledge the contributions of our faith community to healthcare delivery in the country, as we are aware that some of our religious organizations provide healthcare services at the primary, secondary and even tertiary healthcare level. This is most commendable, as I urge you to keep it up, as the government alone cannot do.

    “The federal government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to change the narrative by making health affordable and accessible to all Nigerians. We will therefore need the support of the faith community as we roll out the Federal Government’s agenda for the health of our people. We will be relying on your influence to build trust and enhance community ownership of all our health interventions.”

    In his remarks, the executive director and chief executive officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib said: “In our endeavour to reach every corner of our nation, we acknowledge the pivotal role religious leaders play in this noble pursuit. They possess the power to disseminate critical information that can influence behaviour, dispel myths and encourage preventive practice.

    “Concerning progress made on one of the deadliest diseases affecting our mothers, sisters and daughters – cervical cancer. This cancer is caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV). On September 25 this year, we’ll be introducing the HPV vaccine that prevents cervical cancer when given to our daughters between the ages of 9 and 15 years.

    “In their roles are spiritual guides, they own the power to influence hearts and minds, and their words carry weight and inspire action. I urge you to join hands today with the medical community in championing the course of HPV vaccination nationwide. By encouraging HPV vaccination within your congregations, you become advocates of life and guardians of health. HPV vaccination is more than a medical breakthrough, but a testament of our unity and the sanctity of life.”

    The president-general of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III said: “When we are talking about the health issues of our people, first and foremost you must talk about how to feed the common man. Without food, no drug will work. Government must face this reality, and if care is not taken it will be worse next year. I am not predicting, but we have to work on ourselves because of the issues we see on the ground.

    “We have full hope that we will get out of the woods. We are not losing hope. I am not campaigning for Asiwaju’s renewed hope, but we must have hope in what Almighty Allah can do for us, but we must do for ourselves.

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    “This forum will review all health issues, successes, failures and what must be done. We are ready to do the needful. The Government can count on us – traditional and religious leaders. We believe in telling the people what the government is doing. If the government does anything right, we clap for them, and if they do anything wrong, we caution them not to go that way.”

    The national president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh added, “We are delighted that primary health care in Nigeria is beginning to get the kind of attention it deserves. More importantly, religious leaders are given the opportunity to dialogue by way of review about what is happening in this particular sector of our national lives. Even on health issues, a lot of Nigerians still prefer to listen to their religious leaders before listening to their doctors, even the government.

    “Our places of worship have been used for sensitization, for administering vaccines and our health facilities have been in collaboration with the government for a very long time now, especially for primary health care.

    “With initiatives like this, we are optimistic that improved healthcare will be made accessible to those who before now have been far from it, especially those in the rural areas. We pray that this bi-annual meeting carries out the objective of the government aimed at providing healthcare to all Nigerians. We recommend that we continue this kind of collaboration.”

  • Cervical Cancer is preventable, says don

    Women have been advised not to have multiple sex partners and to embrace the use of contraceptives to prevent cervical cancer.

    The former Provost of the College of Medicine, University  of Lagos  (CMUL),  Prof Olatunde Abudu, gave the advice at the second  Aina Omololu-Mulele annual lecture , organised by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CMUL.

    He said the disease has made patients victims of exploitation by medical and alternative medicine charlatans.

    He spoke on the theme: “Cancer of the cervix: A preventable neglected tragedy”

    Explaining that the treatment of the disease was highly expensive and frustrating,    he said the early stage 1a and 1b of clinical cancer,  surgery or radiotherapy treatment or combination of both may achieve a five- year survival rate of about 80 to 90 percent.  This five years decreases with increasing stage of the disease.

    He warned that having multiple sex partners put women at risk of contracting Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV),  known to cause cervical cancer in women. He advocated abstinence.

    “It is more dependant on the sexual behaviour  of the individual women and their spouses. Husband or consort who has more than three sexual partners is at high risk of transmitting HPV to his partner.  The man is the vector for HPV infection just like the mosquito is the vector for malaria”.

    Abudu said cervical cancer which is the commonest cancer in women has a mortality rate of 250,000 deaths yearly with 450,000 new cases. Also,  80 percent of new cases and deaths from it occur in developing countries.

    “Over the years,  it became evident that HPV is the main agent in association with other co-factors,  causes cancer of the cervix.  Such co-factors include other infective agents like Chlamydia trachomatis, Herpes Simplex   type2, chemicals like nitrosamine found in the cervical secretions of smokers.

    “Cervical  Cancer responds poorly to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy  drugs are not within the reach of these women financially. Not only  is the cost prohibitive,  the side effects are significant and may kill the patient earlier as the drugs kill both normal and abnormal cells,” he noted.

    Abudu, a  former head of Department of Obstetrics  and Gynaecology, CMUL  said the disease and deaths could be reduced by  safe sex and vaccination of children aged six to 16 and women who are sexually active and have a negative HPV DNA test.

    He recommends that  cervical screening should be made mandatory in hospitals for every female who visits the hospital,  as well as,  an intensive sex education  be included in junior secondary schools.

     

     

  • Cancer : Gov’s wife urges women to adopt monthly breast self-examination

    Cancer : Gov’s wife urges women to adopt monthly breast self-examination

    Wife of the Kwara state Governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, has advised sexually active females to adopt monthly breast self-examination as a precautionary measure against breast Cancer.

    Mrs Ahmed made the call on Monday while addressing students on an advocacy sensitization visit at the Kwara State College of Technology, Offa, and the College of Education in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area.

    According to her, cancer has become wide spread, caused massive morbidity worldwide,while new cases of the deadly disease are expected to increase by about seventy per cent over the next two decades.

    She said her foundation had set up LEAH Anti-cancer Clubs both in secondary and tertiary institutions in the state to reach out to adolescents and young adults on breast and cervical cancer prevention.

    READ ALSO: Doctors: cancer treatable

    The governor’s wife called for the inclusion of breast and cervical cancer screening in pre-admission medical check-ups and the establishment of basic cancer screening centres in the institutions.

    The Provost, College of Technology Offa, Malam Aliu Abdu-Rauf, attributed the high rate of cancer deaths to Ignorance and called for more research on ways to curb the disease.

    Also, the Provost, College of Education Ilemona, Alhaji Kunle Oyewale, said the sensitization initiative was a major contribution to the fight against the disease.

    NAN

  • Niger traders screened for breast, cervical cancers

    Niger traders screened for breast, cervical cancers

    Wife of Niger State Governor, Dr. Amina Bello has conducted free breast and cervical cancer screening on over 500 women traders.

    The exercise which took place at the Kure Ultra-modern Market, Minna, the state capital, cost N3.7 million

    The three-day free medical screening which was organised by her non-governmental organisation, RAiSE Breast and Cervical Screening Centre, and conducted by her team, was to ensure that market women benefited in large numbers.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Amina Bello, who was represented by her Chief Press Secretary, Aisha Wakaso, told the gathering that the governor’s wife’s concern about the health of women and children informed the decision to embark on the exercise.

    While urging women within the state capital and outside to present themselves for the exercise, Dr. Amina said, “After this three days free screening, it will attract the sum of N7,000 for any woman coming to the Centre to be screened. I strongly believe that prevention is better than cure. Women don’t have to suffer and die needlessly. I urge women across the state not only in Chanchaga Local Government to come out in their number. We brought the exercise to the market because there was low turnout in the earlier ones we did.”

    The council chairman of Chanchaga Local Government, Alhaji Yusuf Fuka who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Surajo Ismaila appreciated the governors’ wife for chosing his council to conduct the screening while pledging the commitment of the council to assist future screening to ensure that breast and cervical cancers can be nipped in the bud.

    Also, the Director, Family Health Care, Fati Garba commended Dr. Bello for being at the fore front on matters that pertained to women, not only in Niger state, but all over the country, “ Her firm belief on issue of these two group of people is the reason why we are here, today.”

    Some beneficiaries after being screening thanked the first lady for the kind gesture calling for the need for intensive advertisements, so that women can avail themselves of the free medical screening.

    Mrs. Florence Anthony, leader of women cosmetics sellers and Halima Yusuf, who heard of the free exercise said they were happy the governor’s wife conducted the screening, adding, “This is the first time to benefit from her programmes. We are grateful; our screening is okay.”

     

  • Kate Henshaw hypes vaccine against cervical cancer

    Kate Henshaw hypes vaccine against cervical cancer

    In order to encourage women to go for cervical screening currently ongoing at the Optimal Cancer Foundation, Nollywood actress and fitness buff, Kate Henshaw, recorded herself taking the second dose of HPV vaccine and posted it on Instagram.

    Though the actress said the vaccine is to help prevent women from the deadly disease, some comments on her post argued that the vaccine is meant for women under the age of 25.

    However, a representative of Optimal Cancer Foundation, @azaahmangie, stated, “Yes we do give vaccines to women over 25. The research had been done already. Because women continue to be at risk throughout their life-time as long as they are exposed to HPV through sex. There is nothing magical about 25/26 or 27 (according to CDC). Age 26 was the cut-off age they used to recruit women for the efficacy trial – and this was purely out of convenience and for some epidemiological reasons. The Federal Ministry of Health (Nigeria) has recommended young girls and women should take HPV vaccines to help prevent cervical cancer.”

  • ‘48 million women affected by cervical cancer in Nigeria’

    About 47.7 million women are affected by cervical cancer in the country, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in Cross River State, Dr Nchiewi Ani, has said.

    Speaking at a free medical outreach done in collaboration with the Navy Officers Wife Association (NOWA) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at the NOWA secretariat in Atimbo Barracks in Calabar, Ani said the disease is the second leading cause of death of women worldwide

    She said 23 percent of women mortality in the country was due to the disease.

    The outreach, flagged off by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the ENC, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Rear Admiral Obi Offodile, was also in collaboration with the state government, and offered free treatment for women who were in the precancerous stage of the disease.

    Ani said, “Today we, as medical women, are collaborating with the naval officers’ wives to give back to society. Women’s health is paramount to us and one of our thematic areas is daily screening for cervical and breast cancer for all the women living in Cross River State.”

    Wife of the FOC, Mrs. Omotayo Oluwole and Coordinator of NOWA and the Navy Ratings Wives Association (NARAWA) said it was necessary to care for our women so they can contribute to the development of the society.

    The medical outreach also offer free blood pressure checks, heights, weights, malaria testing, pap smear, HIV testing, tuberculosis screening and treatment, among others.