FCTA To Establish Cervical Cancer Screening Centers

By: Prudence Okonna & Khadijat Kawunda

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to establish screening centres accross health care facilities in the Territory.

The effort is starting with a flagship launch
of the 90-70-70 Project; an ambitious health programme seeking to dramatically reduce the burden of cervical cancer through preventive vaccination, screening, and treatment.

Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, revealed this at the official launch of Free Pap Smear Screening for Cervical Cancer at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.

The Mandate Secretary, who said it is transformative effort to eliminate cervical cancer sweeping across the nation, emphasized the affordability of the programme, with subsidized fees designed to enable broad access.

She said that the initiative’s targets are clear, to vaccinate at least 90% of girls aged 9 to 14 against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), screen all eligible women, and ensure that 90% of those requiring treatment receive the care needed.

The Mandate Secretary, who was represented at the occasion by the Acting Director-General, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olugbenga Bello, explained that in pursuit of these goals, testing centers will soon be established in both primary and secondary healthcare facilities to ensure that these critical services are within reach of communities nationwide.

Fasawe urged parents to vaccinate their daughters and encouraged women of childbearing age to prioritize screening.

Her words: “Those in need of treatment will be attended to with the utmost care.”

The Mandate Secretary, therefore, called for widespread participation, underscoring the importance of early detection and urging women to spread the word within their communities.

She noted a special provision for health insurance holders, who would cover only 10% of the screening cost.

Also speaking at the event, the Acting Director, Public Health Department, Dr. Dan Gadzama, highlighted the programme’s efforts to raise awareness at the grassroots level and expand screening and treatment facilities across all states.

“Progress reports are already being shared with the national Task Force, marking significant strides in the programme’s rollout,” he added.

Gadzama reiterated that the initiative represents a monumental step forward in the fight against cervical cancer; inspiring hope for healthier futures and stronger communities.

Abuja Digest reports that the FCT Administration rallies behind the 90-70-70 Project and is determined to make cervical cancer a thing of the past.