News

Poor Healthcare Infrastructure Delays Early Detection Of Cervical Cancer

Published

1 year ago

March 12, 2025

Editor

Mr Roberto Taboada, Network Lead of Anglo West Africa at Roche Diagnostics, disclosed during a Zoom interview on Friday that “poor healthcare infrastructure, limited access to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening, poor awareness, and financial constraints, among others, are some of the primary barriers to early detection and treatment of cervical cancer in Nigeria.”

Taboada explained that many women, especially in rural areas, struggle to access screening due to a shortage of healthcare facilities offering HPV-DNA testing. Cultural beliefs and misinformation further discourage women from seeking screening, while financial constraints make regular check-ups unaffordable for many.

“HPV testing is crucial for cervical cancer prevention, yet awareness remains low, and stigma prevents many from getting tested,” he said. “Expanding access to self-sampling kits, integrating HPV screening into routine healthcare, and increasing awareness through targeted outreach can help improve testing rates.”

On improving HPV vaccination rates, Taboada stressed the need to address vaccine availability, misinformation, and healthcare infrastructure gaps. He noted that many parents are unaware of the vaccine or fear its side effects due to misinformation. Inconsistent vaccine supply in healthcare facilities further complicates efforts, but public education campaigns, school-based vaccination programmes, and partnerships with private healthcare providers could boost uptake.

“Breaking societal taboos,” he added, “requires a multi-faceted approach involving community leaders, religious organisations, and healthcare professionals. Public awareness campaigns should use trusted messengers to provide accurate information about HPV and cervical cancer. Schools and organisations must incorporate reproductive health rls can make informed decisions.”

Taboada called for nationwide HPV screening programme implementation, integrating cervical cancer screening into maternal health services, and sustainable funding for vaccination and treatment. He also emphasised the importance of training healthcare providers on HPV screening and using digital outreach technologies to increase participation.

Adding urgency to the matter, Taboada also called for the Nigerian government to adopt the World Health Organization’s (WHO) August 2020 resolution to eliminate cervical cancer. This strategy aims for:

90% of girls to be vaccinated by age 15.
70% of women to be screened with a high-quality test by age 45.
90% of women with cervical cancer to receive treatment.

With cervical cancer being the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian women, the resolution is essential for improving healthcare outcomes and reducing the disease’s mortality rate.

By addressing these issues and aligning efforts with global strategies, Nigeria can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer, saving lives and improving the overall health of women across the country.

REAS

Investing in cervical cancer prevention, he noted, reduces the economic burden on families and the healthcare system by preventing costly late-stage treatments. “Women are a vital part of the workforce, particularly in agriculture and small businesses, so their health directly impacts economic productivity,” he said. “Preventing cervical cancer also supports gender equality by ensuring women can fully participate in social and economic activities.”

He stressed that government and private sector collaboration is essential to expanding screening and vaccination access. Private healthcare providers can offer subsidised HPV testing and treatment, while pharmaceutical companies can work to lower vaccine costs. International organisations, he added, could provide funding, technical support, and advocacy to strengthen Nigeria’s cervical cancer prevention efforts.

Mobile clinics, community health workers, and self-sampling kits could further improve screening access in remote areas, while telemedicine could help educate and guide women through the process. “Government investment in rural healthcare infrastructure and targeted outreach programs can bridge the gap,” he said.

Regular HPV screening, early treatment, and widespread vaccination, Taboada concluded, can save lives. “Policymakers must prioritise smart funding and infrastructure allocation, healthcare professionals must encourage testing, and women must take charge of their health by getting screened and vaccinated.”

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

5 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

21 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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