In a bid to a solve the problem of Human Papilloma Virus, HPV, associated cancer, HPV Consortium, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, in partnership with Oyo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has launched a Mobile Truck Clinic and Molecular laboratory.
The groundbreaking ceremony which was held at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan brought together Medical Experts from Nigeria and overseas with a pilot programme to be staged at Ibadan North, Ibadan North West, Kajola and Iseyin Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
Speaking on the Occasion, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako said, access to screening for human papilloma virus, HPV, diagnosis and control would be taken directly to the people in their communities.
“Nigeria contributes significantly to the global burden of cervical cancer with incidence of about 18.4 per 100,000 women and an estimated 12,075 women diagnosed every year. This makes cervical cancer the second leading cause of female cancer deaths in Nigeria. The inequitable distribution of cervical cancer cases and deaths is directly linked to disparities in access to secondary prevention.”
Dr. Salako maintained that the Federal government would continue to appropriate resources to sustain the cancer health fund while also working towards a unique approach to create a Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund in order to support patients with cancers and other finance intensive chronic diseases.
The Minister revealed that Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, 6 cancers centres of excellence are being established (1 per geopolitical zone) to provide comprehensive cancer prevention services, diagnosis and treatment.
“Three of the centers are now ready for commissioning while the remaining 3 will be commissioned on or before February, 2026. In addition to the 6 centres of Excellence, 7 others federal centres are offering oncology sevices accross the country.”
On his part, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale said, the Ministry would collaborate with the HPV Consortium and Oyo state Ministry of Health to educate women, men and girls on the need to surrender themselves for HPV screening.
He explained that the project embodies hope for countless women who will benefit from accessible screening, hope for a future free of cervical cancer, and hope for a Nigeria where its world-class intellect delivers world-class solutions for its people.
In a goodwill message, The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin described the groundbreaking of the Mobile Truck Clinic and Molecular Laboratory, as a transformative stride in the fight against HPV-related diseases and preventable cancers.
He pledged legislative action to support routine HPV vaccination, community screening, and a future Comprehensive Cancer Control Bill that will prioritize science, compassion, and policy.
Panel of Discussants, Former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole and Professor Lilang Liu stressed the need to screen and prevent HPV to curtail cervical cance.
In a Remark, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Bayo Lawal promised to support the HPV Consortium in its efforts to rid the State of HPV.
Earlier, the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran described the Mobile Truck Clinic, as a dynamic innovation designed to overcome a long-standing barrier to healthcare particularly in underserved and rural populations.
“With this mobile platform, we will deliver screening, diagnosis, treatment, and counselling services directly to the doorstep of those who need them most. This is healthcare on wheels.”
Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, expressed satisfaction that the Mobile Truck Clinic and the Molecular Laboratory will not only bring critical screening services closer to the people and reduce the incidence and mortality rates associated with HPV-related cancers in Nigeria but also serve as a hub for advanced molecular research, training and capacity building.
While thanking the Dignitaries, Director, HPV Consortium Project and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Imran Morhason-Bello hinted that, the mobile truck clinic is an automobile fully equipped for HPV examination, testing and treatment, noting that people can also be tested for some othe diseases.
He noted that the HPV Consortium not only promotes awareness but also offers therapeutic interventions and treatment to those in need.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, reaffirmed NICRAT’s commitment to collaborating closely with the HPV consortium to uncover the scientific underpinnings of HPV-associated cancers.
According to him, “HPV is recognised as one of the most formidable oncogenic threats of our time. We are determined to contribute our institutional strength to develop home-grown, evidence-based strategies that reflect our unique epidemiological, social and health systems context.”