OYO LAWMAKER, HON.BABALOLA ABIODUN CHARGED THE OYO EXECUTIVE TO STRENGTHEN CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION MEASURES TO REDUCE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY AMONG WOMEN IN OYO STATE

OYO LAWMAKER, HON.BABALOLA ABIODUN CHARGED THE OYO EXECUTIVE TO STRENGTHEN CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION MEASURES TO REDUCE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY AMONG WOMEN IN OYO STATE

The cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally, despite being largely preventable through early detection and treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99.8% of cervical cancer cases can be prevented through regular screening and vaccination. However, Nigeria accounts for a significant portion of global cervical cancer cases, with thousands of women losing their lives annually due to late diagnosis, limited screening access, and inadequate awareness.

While Oyo State has made commendable strides in healthcare, the government must do more to integrate cervical cancer prevention into its health agenda. Research findings indicate that awareness of cervical cancer and screening uptake among women in the state remain critically low, with misconceptions and socio-cultural barriers further discouraging early testing. A study conducted in Oyo State by Owolabi and Jegede, (2023) revealed that only 38% of women are aware of cervical cancer, and just 49.3% recognize its symptoms. 

The absence of a well-coordinated, properly funded cervical cancer screening program in Oyo State has left many women vulnerable to a disease that could be detected and treated early. In addition, financial constraints has continued to make screening inaccessible to low-income women, which further increases their risk of late-stage diagnosis and death.

Many families are thrown into hardship when women, who are often the primary caregivers, succumb to preventable diseases. The financial toll of late-stage cancer treatment far outweighs the cost of preventive screening. It is therefore, imperative for the state to act decisively in scaling up screening services.

House Resolves to urge:

1. The Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Board and Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), to:

a. Develop a comprehensive cervical cancer screening program that ensures access to free or subsidized screening for women across all Local government areas (LGAs) in the state;

b. Establish more screening centers in rural and remote areas to eliminate geographic barriers to early detection;

c. Embark on aggressive public awareness campaigns in collaboration with community leaders, religious organizations, and local associations to educate women about cervical cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of screening; and

d. Form partnership with non-governmental organizations, private healthcare providers, and international health agencies to mobilize resources and technical expertise for sustainable cervical cancer prevention initiatives.