The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has successfully concluded a comprehensive cancer care needs assessment, a significant milestone aimed at strengthening cancer care delivery across Abuja.
Conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and supported by City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), the assessment is designed to provide data-driven, locally tailored, and sustainable solutions for improving oncology services in the FCT.
The exercise engaged 13 health institutions, 66 healthcare professionals, 16 civil society organisations, and 542 patients, generating valuable insights into the current cancer care landscape in the capital city.
Abuja joined the C/Can global city network in May 2023 and quickly established a local governance structure to steer the initiative. This included a City Executive Committee comprising 25 members from public and private institutions and a City Technical Committee of four leading clinicians responsible for technical oversight of the assessment.
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Insights for Informed Policy and Patient-Centred Solutions
Speaking at the public presentation of the findings, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, described the development as a “transformative step forward” in Abuja’s commitment to quality and accessible cancer care.
“For the first time, we now have a clear, evidence-based understanding of the strengths and gaps within our cancer care system. This empowers us to make better-informed decisions and allocate resources more efficiently,” she said.
Dr Fasawe revealed that plans are underway to introduce insurance schemes for patients diagnosed at early stages of cancer. She also emphasised the need to scale up public awareness and promote routine, affordable, and possibly free screenings to aid early detection and reduce cancer-related mortality.
“We’ve realised through this research that late presentation is a major challenge in Abuja. Early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death. Creating awareness and access to routine checks is now a key priority,” she added.
Voices from Survivors and Stakeholders
Gloria Oji-Nwajiogu, a two-time cancer survivor and president of the Network of People Impacted by Cancer in Nigeria, commended the improvements made but highlighted persistent delays in accessing treatment.
“While progress has been made, many patients still face long waiting periods. Some have waited up to three months for radiotherapy. Cancer does not wait, and delays can mean the disease progresses or returns,” she said.
She noted challenges such as shortages in medical personnel, treatment backlogs, and high out-of-pocket costs, calling for urgent attention to expand capacity and expedite access.
Next Steps and Broader Impact
According to the assessment committee, findings will now inform the design of high-impact interventions, including evidence-based policymaking, expanded funding strategies, and improved access to services spanning prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.
Sophie Bussmann-Kemdjo, Director for Africa & Europe at City Cancer Challenge, praised Abuja’s leadership and commitment:
“The completion of this needs assessment reflects Abuja’s dedication to building a robust, evidence-based cancer care system. By engaging local voices and collecting relevant data, the city is laying the groundwork for long-term, systemic improvements.”
The FCTA has pledged to continue working with its partners to roll out context-specific, high-impact cancer care interventions, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring cancer is no longer a death sentence for its residents.