Cervical cancer is killing Nigerian women every day, even though it is almost entirely preventable. It is the second most common cancer among Nigerian women, claiming over 8,000 lives every year, according to the World Health Organization.
In Imo State, the crisis is just as dire — low HPV vaccination rates, lack of awareness, and delayed diagnosis are fueling a preventable tragedy.
At Firm Health Care Foundation, we refuse to let silence, stigma, or misinformation continue to cost women their lives.
To fight this escalating crisis, Firm Health Care Foundation recently held a high-impact cervical cancer sensitization outreach at Owerri Municipal Health Centre — a strategic maternal health hub in the heart of Imo State.
The goal? To save lives by educating women about prevention, screening, and vaccination.
The Hard Truths We Shared:
🔹 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — a preventable sexually transmitted infection
🔹 7 in 10 women diagnosed late with cervical cancer will not survive five years
🔹 Girls aged 9–14 are the best candidates for the HPV vaccine, yet millions remain unvaccinated
🔹 HPV vaccine uptake in the Southeast is under 20% (NPHCDA, 2023) — due to fear, misinformation, and stigma
These facts shocked many participants, most of whom were hearing for the first time that cervical cancer can be prevented or even eliminated with timely action.
During the outreach, our trained health educators and facilitators delivered a holistic, woman-centered session that included:
Health Talk on Early Symptoms
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
- Persistent discharge
- Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
Myth-Busting Segment
- “No, the HPV vaccine does not cause infertility.”
- “Yes, screening is safe, confidential, and effective.”
Referral and Linkages
Women were connected to affordable screening and vaccination services at local health facilities — a critical next step in real protection.
What They Said
“I never knew something this serious could be prevented. I’m going to get screened today.”
– Participant, Owerri Municipal Health Centre
“Now I understand the vaccine is safe. My daughter is 10 — I’m going to get her vaccinated.”
– Mother of 3, Owerri North
Our Impact
- Dozens of women sensitized on-site
- Multiple referrals made for HPV screening and vaccination
- Community-wide awareness boosted through grassroots engagement
- Misinformation tackled head-on, leading to real behavior change
Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable — but only if we act before it’s too late. We must scale this work across underserved communities, especially where screening and vaccine awareness are critically low.
At Firm Health Care Foundation, we are committed to reaching:
- Rural women with no access to health education
- Mothers at public health centers who can vaccinate their daughters
- Teen girls in schools with the life-saving HPV vaccine message
We are calling on funders, partners, government agencies, NGOs, and corporate sponsors to help us:
- Train community health workers on cervical cancer screening
- Conduct state-wide awareness campaigns in markets, schools, churches, and clinics
- Provide subsidized or free HPV vaccines and screening to low-income women
- Develop culturally-sensitive IEC materials in Igbo and other local languages
One screening can save a mother’s life. One vaccine can protect a girl’s future.
Let’s Do This Together
📧 Email: info@firmhealthcarefoundation.org
📞 Phone: 09111710860
🌐 Website: www.firmhealthcarefoundation.orgCervical cancer can be eliminated — but only if we act.
Help us take this movement to every LGA in Imo State… and beyond.