The federal government has restated its commitment to advancing the fight against cancer through research, education, and advocacy.
The government explained that its goal was to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday in Abuja to mark this year’s World Cancer Day, the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, explained that the commitment of the present federal administration “to driving progress in cancer care extends to fostering innovation and discovery through substantial funding for cancer research in Nigeria.”
According to him, “The strategic procurement of advanced cancer treatment equipment represents a significant stride towards closing the care gap and enhancing the infrastructure of cancer care across the country.
“The improvement in the cancer health fund and the introduction of childhood cancer counterpart fund has been a pivotal step in our pursuit of equitable and sustainable financing for cancer care and treatment.
“This initiative fulfils a critical need, providing the necessary resources to enhance patient care and support across the country,” he further explained.
Prof. Malami’s message to mark the day read: “As we commemorate World Cancer Day in 2024 under the theme of “Closing the Care Gap,” I urge every one of you to join us in raising awareness about cancer and its impact on individuals, families, and societies.
“Cancer is a relentless disease that knows no boundaries, affecting people of all ages, races, and walks of life. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its burden continues to grow. However, with early detection, prevention, and access to quality treatment and care, many cancer cases can be effectively managed, and lives can be saved.
“I am proud to reflect on the remarkable progress we have achieved in advancing cancer care in Nigeria.
“The commitment of this government to driving progress in cancer care extends to fostering innovation and discovery through substantial funding for cancer research in Nigeria.
“The strategic procurement of advanced cancer treatment equipment represents a significant stride towards closing the care gap and enhancing the infrastructure of cancer care across the country.
“The Improvement in cancer health fund and the introduction of childhood cancer counterpart fund has been a pivotal step in our pursuit of equitable and sustainable financing for cancer care and treatment.
“This initiative fulfils a critical need, providing the necessary resources to enhance patient care and support across the country.
“At the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, we are committed to advancing the fight against cancer through research, education, and advocacy. Our goal is to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.”
Also, speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Dr. Adamu Alhassan Umar, said urgent action was needed to bridge the cancer care gap in the country.
According to him,” In Nigeria, the establishment of NICRAT marks a milestone, offering hope for improved cancer research and treatment.”
“The Nigerian Cancer Society calls on citizens to share cancer knowledge, embrace government initiatives like the national HPV Vaccine rollout, adopt healthy lifestyles, and obtain insurance coverage, uniting against the menace of cancer,” he said.
He called on the government to increase funding for cancer research and foster collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
The government, he added, must “incorporate comprehensive cancer services and ensure universal health coverage by including cancer services in national health benefit packages.”
