The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) with the aim to facilitate the acquisition and maintenance of radiotherapy equipment in cancer centres nationwide.
This was disclosed by the Director-General, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) Prof Usman Aliyu, in Abuja on Tuesday at the City Cancer Challenge Initiative Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Workshop.
Prof Aliyu said that the NSIA-Lagos University Teaching Hospital (NSIA-LUTH) cancer centre has some of the nation’s top-notch cancer equipment, which the government is committed to mirroring across other centres.
He said this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to enhance the six cancer centres situated in the six geo-political zones of the country.
He emphasized that cancer remains among the most pressing health concerns worldwide, impacting millions of lives.
He said in Nigeria, the burden of cancer continues to escalate, posing a substantial threat to public health and welfare.
Referring to the 2022 Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) report, he noted that Nigeria saw 127,763 new cancer cases and 79,542 cancer-related deaths in the same year.
“As we work towards addressing this challenge, it is crucial that we join forces, collaborate, and strategize to ensure that cancer patients in Abuja, and across Nigeria receive the best possible care and support,” he said.
He emphasized that the workshop functions as a forum to recognize and involve the various stakeholders who hold pivotal roles in combating cancer.
Prof Aliyu mentioned that through the mapping of cancer stakeholders in Abuja and across the nation, there would be an enhanced comprehension of the resources, expertise, and deficiencies present within the current healthcare infrastructure.
Strategic step
The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT, Dr Dolapo Fasawe said that the workshop is critical to the success of the project.
She said this is because the foundation determines both the success of subsequent phases of the project and the overall objectives of the project.
“This is what this challenge will do. We will have community mobilization teams in each of our area councils and we will educate them on what early signs of cancer look like in a woman and in a man,” she said.
“With this project, there’s political will to fill the gaps. The gaps may be human resources, more advocacy or more cancer treatment centres.
At the workshop, Sophie Bussman-Kemdjo, Director of Africa and Europe at City Cancer Challenge Foundation, highlighted that the organization, operational in 15 global cities, would utilize a proven framework to enhance cancer care in the FCT.
She said the organization will establish a governance body within the city to supervise the implementation and expansion of initiatives.
“Additionally, we will conduct comprehensive citywide needs assessments to identify pressing needs,” she said.