In response to the alarming increase in cancer cases in Nigeria, several multilateral agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can), have joined forces to address the growing cancer burden in the country.
According to recent data, 79,000 lives have been lost to cancer in Nigeria, with 124,000 new cases emerging every year.
A statement from Anthony Ogunleye, the spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, highlighted that cancer accounts for the second-highest cancer burden in Africa.
To combat this pressing health issue, the collaborating agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at addressing the acute cancer burden in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Engr. P. Funso Adebiyi, emphasized the collective effort to reduce the incidence and mortality of cancer in Nigeria, stating that “this collective effort strengthens the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a healthier Nigeria by urgently reducing our country’s cancer incidence and mortality.”
Olusade Adesola, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, highlighted the immense potential of Abuja’s partnership with C/Can in making a broad-scale impact on the country’s health systems and the well-being of its population.
He stated, “Given Nigeria’s sizable population within the region, Abuja’s partnership with C/Can carries immense potential for broad-scale impact on our health systems and the health of our population.”
To ensure the success of the initiative, Abuja has conducted comprehensive assessments over the past two years to inform the development of a strategy for implementing the project. This effort culminated in a three-year City Engagement Process, which will be led by a local governance body, the City Executive Committee, with the support of a dedicated city manager. The City Engagement Process aims to engage stakeholders in identifying needs and implementing locally-created cancer care solutions.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of C/Can, Isabel Mestres said throughout 2022, with the support of C/Can, Abuja has undertaken a robust due diligence process.
Mestres said this has provided a comprehensive understanding of the local cancer care landscape, paving the way for the next steps, including the launch of a three-year City Engagement Process.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, expressed confidence in the transformation that the partnership with C/Can will achieve, stating that “Alone, we can do a lot.
However, as partners, we can strengthen Abuja’s cancer ecosystem. I am certain that this partnership with C/Can will achieve the much-needed transformation.”
The Clinton Health Access Initiative in Nigeria will contribute its global health expertise and on-the-ground experience to ensure the continuity of local solutions.
Owens Wiwa, Executive Vice President of the Clinton Health Access Initiative Nigeria, emphasized the unparalleled opportunity offered by C/Can to improve cancer care at the city level and benefit the people of Abuja and the rest of Nigeria.
He noted, “Through C/Can, we have an unparalleled opportunity to ensure that progress made in cancer care at a city level will benefit the most people in both Abuja and the rest of Nigeria.”
The successful application of Abuja to join C/Can was supported by the FCT Administration and the Ministry of Health of Nigeria and led by a task force of leading organizations, including civil society.
As the 14th city and the fourth African city to join the growing C/Can network, Abuja’s participation in this initiative will contribute significantly to addressing the pressing issue of cancer in Nigeria.
C/Can is set to launch a new call for city applications later in 2023, further expanding its network of cities committed to combatting cancer and improving healthcare systems.