Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been spearheading the fight against cervical cancer not just in the state, but Nigeria, and his efforts are yielding impressive results. 

One of the key strategies employed by his administration is the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the state’s routine immunization schedule.  This move aims to tackle the increasing rate of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, which are primarily caused by the HPV virus. 

According to the College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan, HPV is an infection that causes warts in various parts of the body, depending on the strain. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Many people with HPV don’t develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include warts on the genitals or surrounding skin. Although treatment focuses on removing the warts, a vaccine that prevents the HPV strains most likely to cause genital warts and cervical cancer is recommended for boys and girls.

This is where the governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has also been actively involved in promoting cervical cancer prevention and awareness. She has emphasised the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, encouraging residents to dispel misconceptions and embrace this powerful tool in the fight against cervical cancer. 

To date, the state government has vaccinated over 484,761 girls against HPV, with the goal of reaching 7.7 million girls in the state.

This initiative is part of a broader campaign to prevent cervical cancer, which includes:

HPV vaccination programme: The government has introduced the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization schedule, targeting girls aged 9-14 years.
Public awareness campaigns: The government has launched public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of cervical cancer prevention and the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine.
Routine screening: The government has emphasized the importance of routine screening, recommending that women undergo a pap smear at least once every three years from the age of 21.
Partnerships and collaborations: The Lagos State Government has partnered with development partners and stakeholders to expand diagnostic capacity and improve access to healthcare services.

The governor’s efforts to combat cervical cancer have been commendable, and his administration’s commitment to promoting public health and wellbeing is evident. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all residents of Lagos State have access to cervical cancer prevention and treatment services. More Lagosians need to key into creating awareness even at home.

As the governor continues to champion the fight against cervical cancer, it is essential that residents take advantage of the available resources and services. By getting vaccinated, quitting smoking, avoiding sexual intercourse with people who have genital warts, and undergoing routine screening, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer.

Ultimately, the fight against cervical cancer requires a collective effort from the government, healthcare providers, and individuals. The state governor’s initiatives are a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that other states in Nigeria will follow suit. With continued awareness, education, and access to healthcare services, Nigeria and in particular Lagos can make significant strides in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and improving the health and wellbeing of its citizens.