Oyo Lawmaker, Hon. Babalola Abiodun, Urges Strengthening of Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention in Oyo State

In a passionate call for improved women’s health, the Honorable Member representing Ibadan North East Constituency 1 , Hon. Babalola Abiodun, has charged the Oyo State Executive to intensify efforts in combating cervical cancer through stronger screening and prevention strategies.

The lawmaker emphasized the urgent need to reduce the rising morbidity and mortality rates associated with cervical cancer among women in the state.

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Despite its preventability, it continues to claim the lives of thousands of women each year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are preventable through regular screening and vaccination.

Unfortunately, Nigeria still bears a significant burden of the disease due to late diagnosis, limited screening access, and low public awareness.

Hon. Babalola acknowledged the progress made by the Oyo State government in improving healthcare delivery but stressed that more must be done to prioritize cervical cancer within the state’s health agenda.

A 2023 study by Owolabi and Jegede revealed alarming gaps in awareness and knowledge about the disease among women in Oyo State—only 38% of women surveyed were aware of cervical cancer, and just 49.3% could recognize its symptoms.

The absence of a well-funded and coordinated cervical cancer screening program, particularly in rural and underserved communities, has left many women vulnerable.

Financial barriers also remain a significant challenge, making early screening inaccessible to low-income households and increasing the risk of late-stage diagnoses and preventable deaths.

“Too many families are plunged into emotional and financial distress when women—who are often the bedrock of the household—succumb to diseases that could have been prevented or treated early,” Hon. Babalola stated.

“The cost of preventive care is far less than the burden of treating advanced cancer. We must act decisively.”

Foster collaborations with non-governmental organizations, private healthcare providers, and international health agencies to mobilize resources and technical support for sustainable cervical cancer prevention efforts.

Hon. Babalola concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advocating for policies that protect the health and wellbeing of women in Oyo State, urging swift action from the executive to prioritize and implement these recommendations.