Federal Government Initiates Major Cervical Cancer Screening Drive in Imo State to Target 10,000 Women

Nigeria kicks off a cervical cancer screening drive in Owerri, targeting 10,000 women under the National Strategic Cervical Cancer Control Plan.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 7:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

A Vital Intervention for Maternal Health

The health landscape in South East Nigeria marked a significant milestone on Wednesday with the rollout of the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in Owerri. According to Deputy Health Minister Iziaq Salako, this initiative represents a central pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s vision to treat the health of Nigerian women as a primary national priority. The launch serves as a practical extension of the government's efforts to move from policy ambition to tangible medical implementation at the state level.

Institutional Support for Cancer Control

Reflecting on the progress made in oncology care, Salako highlighted the 2023 establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment as a turning point for institutionalized care. According to the minister, this decision signals that the federal administration recognizes cervical cancer as a national health priority that requires a permanent and structured medical response. This institutional framework is now being leveraged to deploy specialized services directly to the regions most in need of intervention.

Strategic Roadmap for the Coming Years

To ensure the sustainability of these medical efforts, the government has introduced the National Strategic Cervical Cancer Control Plan spanning from 2026 to 2030. This comprehensive framework is designed to set specific resource requirements and targets for nationwide control, ensuring that medical facilities are equipped for long term service delivery. Salako explained that Imo was selected as the South East flagship due to the visible commitment demonstrated by Governor Hope Uzodimma toward improving maternal and child health outcomes.