National Guidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening in Nigeria

Guidelines establish standardized protocols for screening, diagnosis, and management of cervical cancer across the healthcare system. It targets women aged 25 to 65 and mandates standardized methods like VIA and HPV testing. This ensures equitable access and significantly reduces cancer incidence nationwide.

National Guidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening in Nigeria Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

A national clinical and public health framework establishing standardised protocols for the screening, diagnosis, and management of cervical cancer across all tiers of Nigeria's healthcare system.

Who Does It Target?

Women aged 25–65 years Healthcare providers at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels State and local government health departments NGOs and development partners in reproductive health

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality by 90% by 2030 (aligned with WHO targets) Standardise screening methods (VIA, HPV DNA testing, Pap smear) nationwide Ensure equitable access to screening across rural and urban populations Train healthcare workers on evidence-based screening and treatment

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: Federal Ministry of Health, state governments, WHO, UNFPA, and bilateral donors

How to Access

Women can access screening at any government primary health centre, state hospital, or federal tertiary hospital. Requirements: No referral required for primary screening Age 25–65 years (or younger if HIV-positive) Informed consent required Application method: Walk-in at public health facilities offering reproductive health services

Important Terms

Screening interval: every 3–5 years for women with normal results HIV-positive women: annual screening recommended Follow-up treatment mandatory upon positive diagnosis

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria records ~14,000 new cervical cancer cases and ~8,000 deaths annually; guidelines aim to reverse this trend through 70% screening coverage by 2030.

Official Resources

Website: www.fmoh.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health, Department of Family Health Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

The National Guidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening operate under the National Health Act 2014, the National Cancer Control Plan, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Act. They align with the National Policy on Reproductive Health, the Nigerian National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Cancer of the Cervix, and WHO guidance on cervical cancer screening and treatment. NAFDAC regulations govern approved screening reagents and medical devices.