NIMR says 28 Nigerian women die of cervical cancer daily

According to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, despite the implementation of preventative measures, cervical cancer claims the lives of at least 28 women per day in the nation.

To reduce the gender gap, the institute repeatedly emphasized the need to immunize young girls and screen women.

The Director of Research, NIMR, Prof. Oliver Ezechi, called on the government at all levels to take health issues connected to women seriously during a speech given at a gathering intended to raise awareness of the pandemic's recent spike among girls and women.

He insisted that the condition can be avoided while pointing out that cervical cancer is the second most frequent malignancy among women.

However, he pointed out that screening, immunization gaps, a lack of understanding, cultural issues, and screening are some of the obstacles to effectively containing cervical cancer.

Ezechi said, “Government should prioritise women’s health. Saving a woman is saving the nation because of their importance in the home.

“Yearly, about 12,000 women in Nigeria are diagnosed with the disease and almost 8,000 die from it. Every day about 28 Nigerian women die from cervical cancer. Persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus is the cause of many cancers including cervical cancers.”

The event, dubbed "4GW," is an interactive session where girls and women from all around Nigeria will collaborate to design and present their own solutions to social and health challenges, according to the director.

According to him, the designation is focused on creating strategies to encourage HPV vaccination and screening among women and girls in Nigeria.

Dr. Benedict Azuogu, a public health specialist and researcher, said in his submission that cervical cancer is quite common among women of childbearing age.

“The cancer is presentable, some don’t believe it is preventable and it is very common.

“Many people don’t know that it is real and anyone of childbearing age is at risk. People that engaged in sexual intercourse can have it. But It is 100 per cent preventable through vaccination,” he added.