The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving cancer care in Nigeria through increased investment in prevention, treatment, and research.
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Speaking at the ministerial press briefing to mark World Cancer Day 2025, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, highlighted key initiatives aimed at reducing cancer mortality in the country.
Dr. Salako emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has placed a strong focus on healthcare, with notable investments in cancer prevention, including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis vaccinations to curb cervical and liver cancers. “Over 12 million girls have been immunized against HPV since the campaign began in 2023”. He noted.
The minister also announced the government’s plan to establish and upgrade six Federal Teaching Hospitals with new radiotherapy and nuclear medicine facilities.
“Three of these centers are expected to be commissioned in May 2025, with the remaining three set for completion by World Cancer Day 2026”.
“Furthermore, the government is set to implement a Catastrophic Health Insurance scheme under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to support cancer patients. The scheme will be funded through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and other financial mechanisms”. He added.
Dr. Salako urged stakeholders to unite against cancer through early detection and preventive measures. He also inaugurated the newly reconstituted National Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group to enhance cancer management and research in Nigeria.
The Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salaudeen, highlighted that the theme for this year’s World Cancer Day, “United by Unique,” underscores the importance of unity in addressing cancer care challenges.
He noted that, in line with this theme, the ministry has brought together various government agencies, professional bodies, and civil society groups to work collectively in advancing cancer prevention, treatment, and research.
“As part of efforts to strengthen cancer care, the Honourable Minister of State for Health approved the reactivation of the Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group. This group, comprising experts from regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, and financing bodies, will provide strategic guidance on enhancing nuclear medicine services for improved cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria”.
Dr. Salaudeen reiterated the ministry’s commitment to a multidisciplinary approach in cancer care, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders actively contribute to policies and initiatives.
He expressed optimism that this collaborative effort will drive significant progress in cancer control and ultimately improve patient outcomes across the country.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, commended the Federal Ministry of Health for its leadership in coordinating national cancer initiatives.
He also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, including cancer survivors, in raising awareness and advocating for improved cancer care.
Dr. Mulombo highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “United by Unique,” emphasizing a people-centered approach to cancer care. He stressed that while every individual’s cancer experience is different, collective action remains crucial in the fight against the disease.
He called for a holistic healthcare approach that prioritizes the needs of patients, families, and communities, ensuring they actively participate in health systems that cater to their unique circumstances.
The WHO Representative praised Nigeria’s adoption of key global cancer initiatives, including the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative (CCEI), and the Global Breast Cancer Initiative.
“These programmes align with the country’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative, which prioritizes cancer and other non-communicable diseases through a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp)”. He said.
Dr. Mulombo reaffirmed WHO’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s cancer control efforts, particularly in raising awareness, improving access to treatment, and enhancing preventive measures.
He urged all stakeholders to remain dedicated to the cause, working together to reduce the cancer burden and improve health outcomes nationwide.
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