Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦1 billion through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to strengthen the fight against cervical cancer in the country. The donation aims to support nationwide efforts focused on prevention, screening, and treatment, especially following the integration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into routine immunization.
During a strategic meeting with the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the First Lady emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection. She encouraged Nigerian women to seek medical help without fear or shame, noting that early intervention can save lives.
Minister Salako praised the First Lady’s advocacy, revealing that over 12 million girls aged 9 to 13 have already received the HPV vaccine in the past nine months. He expressed optimism about the target to vaccinate an additional six million girls in 2025 as part of the broader national immunization effort.
Chairman of the Taskforce and former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, acknowledged the significance of the donation and its potential impact. He stated that with consistent funding and outreach, the vision of eliminating cervical cancer in Nigeria by 2030 is within reach.
Also present, Dr. Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organization’s Country Representative, lauded Senator Tinubu’s leadership, expressing confidence that her involvement will inspire greater support and help reduce cervical cancer-related deaths across Nigeria.
