In low- and middle-income countries, cervical cancer cases and deaths are highest, largely due to barriers like limited access to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, screening, and treatment. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) face even greater risks, being 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer and still battling stigma.

To address this, APIN, in partnership with Emory University, University of Ibadan and Nigerian Institute of Medical Research , launched the Community Home-Based Education Screening Services (CHESS) project in 2023. This initiative aims to boost cervical cancer screening among WLHIV in Nigeria by increasing community-level access, using the Mentor Mother Strategy. With National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, CHESS is implemented in 10 Nigerian states.

Recently, Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, our Deputy CEO-Programs, and Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Bako, officially handed over 40 million Naira worth of cervical cancer diagnostic and treatment equipment to three health facilities in Plateau State. This marks a significant milestone in the fight against cervical cancer in Nigeria.