The challenges of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer therapy and control in Nigeria: A review

Abstract

With the changing paradigm in disease trends, Nigeria may be faced with serious challenges in terms of healthcare and disease management. Cervical cancer, which is one of the cancers that is vaccine preventable, remain the most frequently  reported and the leading cause of mortality from cancer in Nigeria. More than 36.59 million women are at risk and 26 die of the disease on daily basis. The country is currently ranked the worse place to be a woman with cancer in Africa, yet there is nothing to write home about in terms of preparedness. Every year huge amount of money is released but little or nothing gets done. There is urgent need for immediate action, especially with the advent of the three promising prophylactic vaccines, to be more pro-active, in controlling the menace of cervical cancer in the country. Cervical cancer should be given same priority as HIV/AIDs, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Childhood immunizations.

Key words: Cervical cancer, Challenges, Control, Human papillomavirus, Nigeria, Therapy.