As world leaders gather in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit, attention turns to the fight against cervical cancer. The Christ the Redeemer statue will be lit in teal, symbolizing a global effort that includes Nigeria and nine other countries raising awareness through advocacy and campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement on Sunday, said, this effort is among many around the globe joining to mobilize efforts on a worldwide “ Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination.
” Adding that other countries are marking the day with campaigns to provide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening, launching new health policies to align with the world’s first-ever effort to eliminate cancer, and raising awareness in communities. Related Stories Antibiotic resistance could claim 39m lives by 2050 – WHO warns Global surge in synthetic opioid, psychoactive drug use demands urgent health action – WHO Nigeria’s role in the global campaign Nigeria is actively participating through advocacy initiatives spearheaded by the Nigerian First Ladies Against Cancer. These efforts aim to raise awareness of cervical cancer prevention and push for equitable access to vaccination and screening.
Four years after 194 countries committed to eliminating cervical cancer, WHO reports that significant progress has been made, including HPV vaccine introductions in 144 countries, over 60 countries now include HPV testing in their cervical screening programmes and 83 countr.
