The Federal Government has unveiled three policy documents to address the burden of cancer across the country by reducing its prevalence.
Lafiya360 reports that the documents are the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023 to 2027, the National Cancer Research Agenda 2024 to 2027, and the National Strategic Plan for Prevention of Cancer of Uterine Cervix 2023 to 2027.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who made this known during the international cancer week (ICW) with the theme: “Addressing Cancer Care Disparities through Improved Access to Research and Treatment,” also inaugurated the documents.
The Minister stated that the three documents have priority areas of action that address governance, prevention, supply chain management, data and research, including surveillance.
He noted that it was no longer news that cancer had become a leading cause of death worldwide, including in Nigeria, and that the global distribution of predominant cancers has continued to change, especially in developing countries.
He further explained that low and middle-income countries accounted for 51 per cent of all cancers worldwide in 1975 and the proportion increased to 55 per cent in 2007 and to 70 per cent in 2018.
He said, “The rise in incidence of cancers is even worse with breast cancer, which is the main focus of the October Cancer Awareness activities.
“Breast Cancer has remained the most common cancer in Nigeria for a long time now and the incidence is still on the increase.
“This is followed by cervical and prostate cancers. Childhood cancers, especially haematological cancers and retinoblastoma, are also increasing daily.
“I want to assure you that under this administration, we are deliberate in our commitment to vigorously addressing the health needs of Nigerians with particular interest in cancer care.
“This underscores my delight in the unveiling of Abuja and by extension Nigeria, as a member of the City Cancer Challenge network today as a welcome development.
“We are ready to partner with City Cancer Challenge Foundation and its partners and indeed all stakeholders to advance cancer care in our country.”
Former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe stressed that the National Assembly showed commitment to ensure that the Cancer Health Fund (CHF) is beefed up to meet the care needs of indigent cancer patients.
He disclosed that N750 million was budgeted for the fund in the 2020 Appropriation Act, to take care of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers which, based on statistics, are prevalent in Nigeria.
He said, “The appropriation reduced to N250 million the following year and in 2023 it came down to N150 million.
“Recently we had a meeting to talk about the implementation of that fund for more effectiveness and efficiency and we, the parliamentarians, are committed to increasing it to one billion naira in the 2024 budget.
“We will also establish a childhood cancer care fund of N500 million.”
In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Usman Aliyu said, “Through research in these areas, we aim to develop effective preventive strategies, improve early detection methods, enhance treatment options, and provide better support and care for cancer patients and survivors.
“Additionally, we emphasize the need for a strong focus on research and innovation in the areas of cancer cell biology and genomics, implementation, and behavioural science, which will be the driving force behind the development of new and more effective policies on cancer prevention and therapies.”
The Regional Director for Africa and Europe, City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), Sophie Bussman-Kemdjo added, “The reality is that many people living with cancer, particularly those living in countries limited by a lack of resources, don’t have a fair shot at receiving quality cancer care.
“A recent study revealed that nearly 60 per cent of the 27,000 Nigerians surveyed confront enormous barriers in accessing healthcare.
“It’s a challenge, but it is one that the C/Can initiative in Abuja is rising to meet.
“In Abuja, we have mobilized the commitment and brought together the expertise of leading organizations to work with city stakeholders to design, plan and implement data-driven, locally-driven cancer care solutions.”