By Dan-Maryam Zayamu
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has concluded plans to inaugurate the National Task Force Committee for Cervical Cancer Elimination (NTF-CCE).
It would be recalled that two weeks ago, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunju Alausa, constituted a 15-member National Task Force Committee for Cervical Cancer Elimination which is to be chaired by the former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.
The Task Force Committee aligns with the National Strategic Plan for Control of Cervical Cancer 2023-2027, specifically in achieving the ambitious target of screening 50 percent of eligible women, at least, once in their lifetime and treating 100 percent of precancerous lesions detected by 2027.
The formal inauguration which will take place on Thursday, September 5, 2014, virtually, according to a statement by the organisers, marks the beginning of a crucial national campaign to combat cervical cancer in Nigeria.
NICRAT, the statement said, “is driving this initiative through regulations and policies that ensure high-quality research, evidence-based treatment, and effective prevention and control strategies.”
The statement further explained that Task Force Committee is tasked with implementing a comprehensive program that includes mobilizing stakeholder support, securing and managing resources, establishing efficient screening and referral protocols, training healthcare providers, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting community engagement.
“By focusing on these areas, we aim to significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer and improve the health and well-being of women across the nation,” the statement noted.
The Task Force Committee, comprised of prominent Nigerians, has Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, as its Vice Chairman while Prof Sani A. Malami, is to serve as its Secretary.
The 15 members of the NTF-CCE are Prof Isaac F Adewole, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, Dr. Usman Waziri Mohammed, Dr. Yinka Olaniyan, Prof Okechukwu Ikpeze, Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, Dr. Lolade Adeyemi, Prof Mukhtar Gadanya, and Prof Imran-Morhasson-Bello.
Other members include Dr. Rakiya Saidu, Dr Nwamaka Lasebikan, Prof Ima-Obong Ekanem, Chief (Mrs) Moji Makanjuola, Dr Garba Bakunawa, and Prof Sani A. Malami.
The Committee’s terms of reference include mobilizing potential stakeholders and partners and gaining their buy-in to support the nationwide campaign for the screening and treatment of cervical cancer; establishing a ‘basket-fund’ to pool and administer funds/donations/grants secured from the government, private sector, philanthropic organizations, development partners and NGOs for the effective implementation of the program; establish screening protocols and algorithms using HPV testing or other high-performance methods and develop clear referral pathways for women with positive test results.
Other terms of reference include developing and implementing the training of public and private healthcare providers in cervical cancer screening and treatment in the six geo-political zones; collaborating with the relevant national and sub-national agencies to provide the infrastructural requirement for sampling, testing, and treatment and to design and execute communication strategies to educate women and communities about cervical cancer and establish a partnership with community leaders and influencers to promote the uptake of screening and treatment.
The Task Force Committee is also expected to submit quarterly reports through the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, on progress, challenges, and achievements.
