Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N1 billion to the National Cancer Fund through her Renewed Hope Initiative to strengthen efforts in combating cervical cancer in the country.
She made this generous donation during a meeting with a delegation from the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination, led by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Bukola Kukoyi, the First Lady urged Nigerians, especially women, to speak up and seek proper medical attention when facing health challenges.
“No one chooses an ailment for themselves,” she said. “There is no need to be ashamed to seek help.”
Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her strong backing for the ongoing efforts to combat cancer, particularly the multi-faceted approach that includes testing, screening, vaccination, and treatment.
“I am in support of what you are doing. We are on track, especially with the approach you have adopted, test, screen, vaccinate, and treat,” she stated.
She stressed the importance of early detection and timely medical intervention in fighting cancer, emphasizing that the battle could be won if patients sought help early.
“The fight against cancer can be won if patients present early and seek medical attention,” she remarked.
Referring to the theme of this year’s World Health Day, “Healthy Beginnings: Hopeful Future,” the First Lady highlighted the crucial connection between a healthy nation and a prosperous one.
“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. No matter what wealth you have as a nation, if the majority of your population is sick, then you are the poorest, as far as I am concerned,” she added.
As part of her commitment, Senator Tinubu, on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative, presented a donation of N1 billion to the National Cancer Fund to further the fight against cervical cancer.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, thanked the First Lady for her role in introducing the HPV vaccine to Nigeria’s immunization program.
He pointed out that, thanks to her support, 12 million girls aged 9 to 13 had already been vaccinated within the first 9 months of the vaccine’s introduction, with plans to vaccinate 6 million more this year.
Prof. Isaac Adewole, Chairman of the Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination and former Minister of Health, praised the First Lady for her unwavering political will in supporting the HPV vaccine initiative.
He expressed confidence that with her continued involvement, the ambitious target of immunizing 8 million girls annually could be met, ultimately eradicating cervical cancer by 2030.
The campaign will reach 12 states this year and another 12 states next year.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), urged the First Lady to continue her leadership role in the campaign, stressing that every woman and child has the right to live.
