Cervical Cancer Cytology in Nigeria: Challenges in the Face of Who’sAgenda 2030

Abstract

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with over 80% occurring in poor nations. It is the most prevalent female genital cancer in Nigeria and a significant public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a goal to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030, based on a triad of vaccination, screening, and treatment methods. However, developing countries have not shown seriousness, prompting the Nigerian government to increase efforts to meet WHO targets. The objective of this study is to evaluate of Nigeria as country meeting up WHO 2030 target for the eradication of cervical cancer. Through literature and internet search, the study reveals that Nigeria already have existing infrastructural deficit that constitute a major setback in the government’s effort to eradicate cervical cancer. Since the WHO’s target was set the government of Nigeria has been making efforts which can be considered inadequate when equated to the challenges against the actualization. Such challenges as elaborated in this study includes economic issue, inadequate access to screening, low awareness, cultural and religious barrier, shortage of man power, and poor policy implementation. It is obvious from this study that Nigeria faces a significant cervical cancer burden, requiring WHO’s request for its eradication. The government is ready to cooperate with global health assemblies, but gaps may hinder its goal of low cervical cancer mortality and prevalence by 2030. Consistent dedication and societal cooperation are needed to tackle these issues.