The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the executive arm of government to intensify screening and awareness efforts to reduce cervical cancer-related deaths among women in the state.
The motion, titled “Need for the Executive Arm of Government to Strengthen Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention Measures to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality Among Women in Oyo State”, was presented by Hon. A. O. Babalola and co-sponsored by Rt. Hon. E. A. Ogundoyin and Hon. R. G. Saminu.
Hon. Babalola noted that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, particularly in Nigeria, which accounts for a significant number of such fatalities annually.
In his contribution, Hon. Adeola emphasized that many of these deaths are preventable through early screening, diagnosis, and treatment. He urged the Ministry of Health, through the Primary Healthcare Board, to facilitate cervical cancer screening programs by ensuring access to free or subsidized screening services for women across all local government areas in the state.
He also advocated for the establishment of cervical cancer screening centers in rural communities to remove barriers to early detection and treatment.
Supporting the motion, Hon. O. A. Owolabi expressed concern over the high number of women dying from preventable diseases and called for immediate and proactive measures to safeguard women’s health in the state.
The House subsequently urged the Ministry of Health to launch a statewide awareness campaign to educate women on cervical cancer prevention and the importance of regular screening.
