A Broad Based Partnership To Combat Cervical Cancer

The 3rd of June, 2025, marked a major milestone in the fight against cervical cancer with the official launch of the Partnership for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN).

The launch of PECCiN was not just a national event. We witnessed both national urgency and global solidarity in addressing this cancer.

Led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu , the high-level event convened a broad coalition of stakeholders: State First Ladies, Government appointees, Healthcare professionals, Traditional and Religious leaders, Youth groups, Survivors, and Representatives from Development, Financial, and Private sectors.

Their collective presence underscored the political will, funding, technical expertise, and community engagement required to meet the WHO 90-70-90 targets.

Support from global health leaders including Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organization, and organizations such as UNICEF , Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance , MSD , Roche , Unitaid, and the Gates Foundation gave the campaign international momentum, while national coordination from the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Governors' Forum (chaired by Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma Odidika of Imo State), and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) signaled strong domestic ownership. Nigeria’s record in quadrupling HPV vaccine uptake across Africa was celebrated with over 13.4 million girls vaccinated in just under a year. Prior to this, about 6 million was cumulative number vaccinated continent-wide over the past two decades.

Another important highlight was the official unveiling of Nigeria’s revised and newly costed National Cervical Cancer Control Plan — a critical tool that aligns the country’s goals with resources and timelines, and provides a roadmap for implementation at all levels.

At a recent workshop to cost the 2026–2030 plan, it was estimated that N2.2 trillion ($1,410,220,680) is required to implement comprehensive interventions. This plan reinforces the government’s commitment to a structured, measurable, and sustainable approach to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.

Coming just after the first cancer planners forum by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) , we hope to see tangible progress from the cancer control unit of the country and states over the next year.

One of the most powerful moments of the event came from survivors — women who have lived through cervical cancer.

Their stories, courage, and interactions with the First Lady reminded us all that cervical cancer is not just about numbers or policies; it's about real people enduring physical, emotional, psychological, and financial challenges. Their participation sent a clear message: eliminating cervical cancer means centering those most affected and committing to care that is holistic and humane.

The short documentary, What I Do Not Know Will Not Kill Me, by Annabelle Ayangbade , featuring Dr. Aisha Mustapha, a gynae oncologist and herself, a cervical cancer survivor, was screened to give voice to these lived realities.

Youth engagement was also central to the event. Young leaders from the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC) arm of the Nigerian Cancer Society as well as other youth-driven initiatives showed that this fight is multigenerational.

Their advocacy is vital to sustaining awareness, dispelling myths, and protecting future generations. Indeed, they played a crucial role in working with attendees to educate and guide commitment.

A particularly innovative aspect of the launch was the distribution of "Commitment Cards" an interactive tool that invited every attendee to personally pledge action, whether through policy, advocacy, funding, or service delivery.

This simple act created a tangible sense of responsibility and collective ownership across sectors. It also sent a clear message that this partnership is hinged on financial donations.

As Vice Chair of the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE) and Chair of the Organising Committee, I am proud of the coordination and resolve that brought this initiative to life. Together with Professor Isaac Adewole (Chair) and Prof. Sani Malami (Secretary), we will continue to steward this national agenda with accountability, equity, and vision.

The path to elimination will require sustained momentum, political backing, survivor-centered care, and the continued mobilization of young people, communities, and international allies.

With the foundation firmly laid, we are well on our way to ensuring that no woman in Nigeria dies from a disease that is entirely preventable.