By Stanley Onyekwere
As part of effort towards ensuring effective healthcare delivery, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to establish screening centres across health care facilities in the Territory.
It was gathered that this move, which is commencing with a flagship launch of the 90-70-70 Project; as an ambitious health programme seeking to dramatically reduce the burden of cervical cancer through preventive vaccination, screening, and treatment.
Making this disclosure, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described it as a transformative effort to eliminate cervical cancer sweeping across the nation
Fasawe, who spoke through the Acting Director-General, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello, her representative at the official launch of Free Pap Smear Screening for Cervical Cancer at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, opined that the affordability of the programme, with subsidized fees designed to enable broad access.
She noted that the initiative’s targets are clear, to vaccinate at least 90% of girls aged 9 to 14 against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), screen all eligible women, and ensure that 90% of those requiring treatment receive the care needed.
She explained that in pursuit of these goals, testing centers will soon be established in both primary and secondary healthcare facilities to ensure that these critical services are within reach of communities nationwide.
Also, the Secretary urged parents to vaccinate their daughters and encouraged women of childbearing age to prioritize screening.
According to her, those in need of treatment will be attended to with the utmost care.
Furthermore, she called for widespread participation, underscoring the importance of early detection and urging women to spread the word within their communities.
She also noted that a special provision for health insurance holders, who would cover only 10% of the screening cost.
On his part, the Acting Director, Public Health Department, Dr. Dan Gadzama, highlighted the programme’s efforts to raise awareness at the grassroots level and expand screening and treatment facilities across all states.
Gadzama said: “Progress reports are already being shared with the national Task Force, marking significant strides in the programme’s rollout”.
He reiterated that the initiative represents a monumental step forward in the fight against cervical cancer; inspiring hope for healthier futures and stronger communities.
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