By Asma’u Ahmad
The Federal Government said it is partnering with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd a Switzerland based in pharmaceutical company, on the control of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and breast cancer in Nigeria.
HPV disease is an infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and resolve spontaneously. In some, they persist and result in warts precancerous lesions.
The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, disclosed this in a statement issued by Director Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Boade Akinola and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
According to the statement, Professor Adewole made this known during a meeting with Dr. Peter Hug, Head of Eastern Europe, Middle East, African (EEMEA) region, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pharmaceuticals Division in Abuja.
Hoffmann-La Roche AG is a Swiss multinational health-care company that operates worldwide under two divisions; Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics.
The minister expressed government’s determination and willingness to partner with Dr. Peter HUG on cancer prevention and control in Nigeria.
Adewole and the company’s representative subsequently agreed that the partnership would focus more on HPV and breast cancer control measures.
The statement also quoted Dr Peter HUG saying that the rationale behind his visit to Nigeria was partnership with the Nigerian Government on cancer prevention and treatment.
He said the company has the facilities to support Nigeria in the fight against cancer. The minister had earlier said that federal government is exploring the possibility of setting up National Agency for Cancer Control (NACC) in
Nigeria.
He explained that the institution would be responsible for research,
prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care for cancer
patients, when established.
He said it would also provide leadership and technical direction for
cancer control in Nigeria integrating services provided by the
National Cancer Centre and incorporating a cluster of public and
private tertiary hospitals.
