The Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, says 7, 277 women have benefited from the ongoing free cervical screening programme in 11 months.
Obidike, who made this known on Friday in Awka, said that 151 women who tested positive with early stage of cervical cancer were being treated for free.
Recall that the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, flagged off the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Elimination Project on Oct. 28, 2022.
The project, which is the initiative of the Governor’s wife, is in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access initiative and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The Commissioner described cervical cancer as the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria, according to the WHO.
According to him, cervical cancer develops in a woman’s cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina).
“Almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), but it is preventable and treatable, if presented and diagnosed early.
“This is why the wife of the Governor launched the free screening and treatment for women in the state.
“As of today, we have screened no fewer than 7,277 women out of which 151 women who tested positive with early stage of cancer are receiving treatment.
“The free screening is ongoing and we are working on expanding by opening up more centres for screening and ensuring access to women,” he said.
Obidike urged women to go for the free cervical cancer screening in the state’s teaching hospital, designated general hospitals and healthcare centres. (NAN)
