DG NICRAT SAYS IMPROVEMENT IN CANCER HEALTH FUND & CHILDHOOD CANCER COUNTERPART FUND IS APT 05-02-24
By Sadiq Aminu Director General National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) Professor Usman Malami Aliyu
says The Improvement in cancer health fund, and the introduction of childhood cancer counterpart fund has been a pivotal step in the pursuit of equitable and sustainable financing for cancer care and treatment in the country.
He said The initiative fulfils a critical need of providing the necessary resources to enhance patient care and support, especially for the indigent cancer patients across the country.
Speaking on this year’s commemoration of World Cancer Day 2024 under the theme of “Closing the Care Gap,”
Professor Malami Aliyu Said the aim of the Federal Government was to make cancer care, treatment care and support easily affordable and accessible to every Nigerian.
“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”
“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”
Also speaking on the Ocassion, the president Nigeria Cancer Society, Dr Adamu Alhasan Umar called for
Increased funding for Cancer Research, Foster collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and community organizations and incorporate Comprehensive Cancer Services to ensure universal health coverage by including cancer services in national health insurance benefit packages as well as Regulation of Carcinogenic Products:
“Control production, sales, and marketing of tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, Implement Routine Screening Programmes and reach remote populations for early detection and costeffective treatment”
Dr. Umar also stressed the need to Promote Patient-Centred Care by Encouraging patient engagement in care decisions, Establishiing Cancer Registries to Guide policy decisions, resource allocation for effective control strategies,
Implementing National Cancer Strategy and train healthcare providers for effective communication.
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, health experts say many cancer cases can be effectively managed, and lives can be saved.