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Experts Call for Stronger HPV Action to Reduce Cervical Cancer

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HPV

Experts urge Nigeria to expand HPV prevention through research, free screening, and community engagement to fight cervical cancer and related diseases

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Medical experts on Wednesday called for Nigeria’s battle against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to extend beyond routine vaccination campaigns, advocating for deeper research, free nationwide screening, and proactive grassroots engagement to tackle cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

Also read: WHO Warns Four in Ten Cancer Cases Are Preventable

The appeal was made during activities marking the 2026 International Human Papillomavirus Awareness Day, a global initiative led by the International Papillomavirus Society to raise awareness about HPV and promote prevention strategies.

Professor Imran Oludare Morhason-Bello of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, cautioned against limiting the HPV conversation to cervical cancer.

He noted that the virus also causes cancers of the throat, mouth, anus, and penis, affecting both men and women.

“Human Papillomavirus is not a women-only issue,” Morhason-Bello said.

“It affects both genders and people of different backgrounds. We must broaden our understanding and our response.”

He urged policymakers to adopt a transdisciplinary approach that integrates medical science, social research, education, religious institutions, and community leadership.

Morhason-Bello stressed that policies without grassroots input often fail, and communities must be partners rather than passive recipients.

While acknowledging progress in Nigeria’s HPV vaccine rollout through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, which has vaccinated over 16 million girls, experts warned that tens of millions more remain eligible.

Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, LOC Chairman of IHAD IPVS-Nigeria and Nigeria Country Ambassador for IPVS, highlighted the persistent challenge of misinformation, particularly claims linking the vaccine to infertility.

“The vaccine has been in use globally for over 20 years. There is no evidence linking it to infertility,” she said.

Dr Umeakuewulu also called for cervical cancer screening to be free in all hospitals to remove financial barriers.

Professor Mohammed Manga, President of the Nigerian chapter of the International Papillomavirus Society, described HPV as one of the few preventable cancer-causing infections.

He said the global slogan ‘One Less Worry’ reflects the potential to eliminate cervical cancer through comprehensive vaccination, screening, and awareness.

Experts agreed that while funding is critical, education and systemic efficiency are equally vital.

They cited gaps in health worker training, misinformation, and infrastructural weaknesses as ongoing challenges.

The panel concluded that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment: with vaccines available and awareness increasing, the country has the tools to significantly reduce HPV-related deaths.

Also read: Climate Change Drives Rising Cancer Burden in Nigeria, Experts Warn

What remains, they said, is political will, sustained investment, and community-driven action.

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GFF@25 Medical Mission Begins October 9 Across Ogun LGAs

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The Gateway Front Foundation’s GFF@25 Medical Mission will begin on October 9 and run through October 24, 2026, bringing free specialist medical services to residents across Ogun State as part of activities marking the foundation’s 25th anniversary.

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The 14-day intervention is being organised by the Gateway Front Foundation in partnership with Sharing Hope Medical Mission from the United States, Sharing Hope and Care Foundation and Redeemer’s Health Village. The programme is sponsored by Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The mission is expected to provide free major and minor surgeries, eye care, gynaecological procedures, orthopaedic treatment, plastic and burn surgery, as well as other specialist medical services. Organisers say more than 15,000 patients are expected to benefit from the programme.

More than 50 doctors from the United States are expected to participate in the mission, while local healthcare practitioners are also expected to receive training as part of the broader programme.

Ahead of the main intervention, the foundation has already begun medical screening and clinical assessments in parts of Ogun. On September 21, residents in Sagamu were screened across four centres, while another exercise was held on September 30 at Redemption City and Simawa to identify cases requiring specialised and surgical treatment.
The screening exercises covered conditions including cataracts, pterygium, dental cases, tumours, lipomas, ganglions, hernias, fibroids, vesicovaginal fistula, prostate conditions, orthopaedic problems, fractures, dislocations, amputations, diabetes and gastroenterology-related ailments. Selected beneficiaries are expected to proceed to the surgical phase of the programme.

To widen access and reduce pressure on a single location, the foundation has scheduled screening and medical interventions across several Local Government Areas, according to the programme schedule released by the organisers.

The listed locations include Ijebu North, Ijebu North East, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ogun Waterside, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ijebu East, Remo North and the RCCG City area.

The schedule is as follows:

October 9: Ijebu North, Kabiesi Solaja Hall and Bojowa Street, Ago-Iwoye
October 10: Ijebu North East, GFF Care Centre, Erunwon
October 12: Sagamu, Asoludero Hall and Ogijo
October 13: Ijebu Ode, Obalofin Hall
October 14: Ogun Waterside, Abigi Community Town Hall
October 15: Ikenne
October 16: Odogbolu
October 17: Ijebu East, Hazelway Hotel, Ijebu Mushin
October 18: Remo North, Ode-Remo Main Market
October 9, 10 and 12–16: RCCG City/Health Village area

The Redeemers Health Village in Mowe, Redemption City, will serve as the main location for cases requiring surgery, according to the organisers. This arrangement is intended to provide sufficient space and facilities for surgical procedures.

Monitoring officers have also been assigned to the various locations to coordinate activities, manage the flow of beneficiaries and support the smooth delivery of the medical services.

The GFF@25 Medical Mission is one of the major programmes marking the foundation’s 25th anniversary. The Gateway Front Foundation, established by Daniel, has over the years undertaken healthcare and other community-focused interventions, including medical outreaches and eye-care initiatives.

Residents requiring medical attention have been encouraged by the organisers to visit the nearest designated venue on the appropriate date for screening and assessment.

The foundation said the anniversary programme is intended to extend its humanitarian activities to more communities, with healthcare forming a major part of the GFF@25 interventions.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 95% Salary Increase for Health Workers

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The Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dauda Lawal, has approved a 95 percent salary increase for health workers across the state.

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The approval, which adopts the Federal Government’s Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), is aimed at improving the welfare of health workers and strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

The development follows an earlier increase by the state government to bring the salaries of medical personnel in Zamfara in line with those of their counterparts in the Federal Government.

With the new approval, a health worker currently earning ₦100,000 will now take home ₦195,000, while someone on ₦200,000 will earn ₦390,000. A worker on ₦300,000 will now receive ₦585,000, and those on ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000 will earn ₦975,000 and ₦1,950,000 respectively.

In effect, the 95 percent increase means the existing salary of every affected health worker is almost doubled.

The approval is expected to boost morale, attract and retain qualified health professionals, and ultimately improve healthcare delivery across the state.

It also comes shortly after the state government recruited new health workers last week, with the newly engaged staff set to benefit from the new salary structure.

Health workers in the state have since expressed appreciation to Governor Lawal for the gesture, describing it as a major boost to the sector.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of Zamfara State.

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NAFDAC urged to probe KissKids diaper claims

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NAFDAC

Consumer advocates call for an independent quality assessment after a viral TikTok video alleged foreign material was found inside a baby diaper

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