AWAKE Campaign Launches Nationwide Cervical Cancer Awareness Drive

Film-led movement targets screenings, vaccinations, and large-scale community education
The AWAKE Campaign, a collaborative initiative between filmmaker Ire Belles and Sebeccly Cancer Care, has
launched a six-month nationwide movement aimed at reducing cervical cancer deaths in Nigeria through film,
community outreach, screenings, and vaccination drives.

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases affecting Nigerian women. Nigeria records an estimated 12,000 new cases annually, with more than 8,000 preventable deaths each year. The AWAKE Campaign responds to this urgent need by combining creative storytelling with on-ground public health action.

At the heart of the movement is AWAKE, a poetic documentary created by filmmaker and social impact storyteller Ire Belles. Through survivors’ accounts, expert interviews, and symbolic dance sequences, the film confronts the country’s growing cervical cancer crisis.

“What began as a film has grown into a movement,” said Belles. “We’re not just raising awareness; we are driving
behaviour change and saving lives.”
Running from November 2025 to March 2026, the AWAKE Campaign will be active in Lagos, Osun, and selected
rural communities. The project aims to reach 1 million Nigerian women through film and media, screen 1,000
women, and provide HPV vaccinations for at least 500 women.

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Omolola Salako, Sebeccly Cancer Care brings extensive technical expertise through its nationally recognised programs such as #TimeToScreen and #ChangeHerCancerStory.

The AWAKE Campaign invites organisations, corporate bodies, and community partners to support screenings, film outreach, education, vaccination subsidies, and awareness amplification for underserved women and girls.

Be aware. Be awake. Protect women across Nigeria.

Ireayooluwanitemi Olota, professionally known as Ire Belles, is a filmmaker, spoken-word poet,and social impact storyteller dedicated to using creative expression as a tool for public health advocacy.

Sebeccly Cancer Care is a non-profit organisation committed to improving cancer outcomes in Nigeria through screening, awareness, early detection, and patient support.