About 12,000 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, despite the disease being largely preventable, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mohammed Ali Pate, has disclosed.

The Minister made the disclosure during the launch of the cervical cancer vaccine campaign and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine integration sensitisation exercise held at Government Girls College, Bauchi.

According to him, “There is the need for greater awareness among stakeholders as part of efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.”

With the HPV vaccine, Pate stated that the disease can be prevented if vaccination is administered early to individuals who are susceptible to the virus and at risk of eventually developing cervical cancer.

He assured the commitment of the President to the cause and recalled the official flag-off of the HPV vaccination campaign in October 2023.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Dr Usman Malami, in his remarks, explained that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers with a known cause.

He added that it makes it one of the most preventable forms of cancer, stressing that since they already know what causes it and what can provide lifelong immunity, vaccination becomes a critical tool.

The Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCA) says it is targeting not less than three million children during the polio immunisation campaign scheduled for 26 -29 April.

Its Executive Secretary, Shamsudeen Yahaya, made the disclosure on Tuesday at a media dialogue with UNICEF, Katsina State Government officials and partners on polio and routine immunisation in the state.

Mr Yahaya said the exercise was aimed at creating awareness of the importance of immunisation in saving children from preventable deaths.

He, therefore, urged the media to continue to enlighten caregivers and other stakeholders on the importance of immunisation.

He revealed that the state has 1,636 health facilities providing routine immunisation services for children.

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‎In a recent address to All Progressives Grand Alliance supporters in Awka, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo raised concerns about pollution of local streams and rivers by native doctors during rituals. He stated, “We must stop contaminating our rivers and streams in the name of ‘odinani’ (tradition). Many depend on that water for drinking and cooking.”
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‎According to Daily Trust, Governor Soludo urged practitioners to be responsible, saying, “If you must perform rituals, use a container—like a bucket—and carry out your practices there. Do not pollute our public water sources.” He emphasized that polluted water can lead to serious health issues, declaring that “we do not want that for our communities.”
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‎He addressed the backlash from a crackdown on native doctors suspected of criminal behavior: “I am not targeting legitimate traditional worshipers but those who defraud and deceive people.” His aim is to eliminate fraudulent actors while respecting cultural practices.
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‎He highlighted the need for balance: “We can embrace our traditions while ensuring the safety and health of our communities.”
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