Last week in Lagos Nigeria, there were throngs of people, mostly girls and women, in their hundreds who stormed the Phlox Health Wash Foundation premises located at Plot 770, Somide Odujinrin Avenue, Omole Phase 2, to take advantage of free HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening service offered by the Foundation.
The pioneering initiative of Phlox Health WASH Foundation, in partnership with WASH 94.9 FM, the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Pathfinder, and the Lagos State Primary Health Council Board, represents a game changer in Nigeria’s fight against cervical cancer.
This transformative effort aligns with the global commemoration of World Cancer Day 2025, themed “United by Unique.”
With a powerful convergence of eminent medical professionals, public health advocates, and influential women leaders, the initiative underscores the urgent need for collective action against cervical cancer—a preventable yet deadly disease that continues to claim millions of lives world-wide.
The event featured a lineup of renowned speakers and specialists who not only raised awareness but also shattered long-standing myths surrounding cervical cancer.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, delivered an impassioned keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of people-centered healthcare.
She painted a stark picture of the cervical cancer crisis in Africa, where survival rates remain alarmingly lower than those in high-income nations.
While strides have been made in HPV vaccination and screening programs, she called for greater awareness, expanded access, and strengthened research to ensure life-saving interventions reach every woman—irrespective of socio-economic status.
A powerful discourse on early detection and treatment strategies was delivered by Prof. Anthonia C. Sowunmi, Nigeria’s first female Associate Professor of Radiation & Clinical Oncology.
She shed light on the subtle yet deadly symptoms of cervical cancer—abnormal bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and post-menopausal spotting—urging women to prioritize regular screenings.
Prof. Sowunmi also tackled the stigmas and fears surrounding cervical cancer treatment, reassuring attendees that medical interventions do not compromise quality of life.
In a stirring call to action, she urged men to stand by their partners, condemning the prevalent issue of abandonment of women diagnosed with the disease.
The conversation took a pivotal turn as Dr. Adeniji Adebayo, Assistant Immunization Program Coordinator at the Lagos State Primary Health Council Board, detailed the state’s HPV vaccination initiative, which was launched in 2023.
According to Dr. Adebayo, Lagos has been at the forefront of free HPV immunization for girls aged 9 to 14, with vaccinations available at public health centers, general hospitals, and select private medical facilities.
Discussions are already underway to expand the program to include boys, reinforcing a comprehensive prevention strategy against HPV-related diseases.
The Gardasil 4 vaccine, the gold standard for HPV protection, is administered as a single-dose regimen, with special cases requiring a second booster after six months. Dr. Adebayo dispelled misconceptions surrounding vaccine safety, reaffirming that rigorous scientific backing supports its efficacy.
He also emphasized the importance of parental consent and child assent, ensuring that every immunization is an informed and voluntary decision.
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The Phlox Health WASH Foundation initiative not only champions preventive healthcare but also underscores the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in public health. It is a continuation of its relentless commitment to healthcare equity. The foundation has been at the forefront of community-based health interventions, bridging the gap between under-served populations and essential medical services.
As Lagos women and girls seize this life-saving opportunity, the ripple effect will be felt for generations to come. By ensuring early detection and prevention, this initiative is poised to transform the narrative of cervical cancer in Nigeria. Lagos residents are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of this free HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening service.
By embracing preventive healthcare, this initiative is paving the way for a healthier, stronger, and more informed generation of Nigerian women.