MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH SAYS THE MINISTRY IS WORKING WITH NICRAT, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE ON CANCER CARE IN NIGERIA 26-04-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, says the Ministry is working with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICRAT, and other relevant stakeholders to change the narrative on cancer care in Nigeria.
Dr. Tunji Alausa stated this at the opening of a Nigerian -Siemens Healthineers Systems Workshop in Abuja.
He noted that the estimated number of new cancer cases in Nigeria was over 127,763 with 79,542 deaths which is expected to increase by 77% by the year 2050.
“To underscore our preparedness to reduce the incidence of this deadly scourge and ensure that those with the illness have access to the best care and support in the country, we have mapped out strategies to geometrically increase cancer experts in the country through training and re-training of all categories of healthcare professionals. ”
On the implementation of Cancer Health Fund, Dr. Alausa noted that the Ministry of Health through NICRAT, would ensure effective resource mobilization and transparency in the allocation of resources to support cancer treatment and care services.
The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Dr. Usman Aliyu, maintained that with a unified approach, the Institute would make lasting impact on cancer care and control.
“Through collaborative initiatives, we can leverage the expertise, resources, and technology of our partners to facilitate access to high-quality care, promote early detection, and enhance the continuum of care for individuals impacted by cancer.”
The Vice President of Siemens Healthineers, Dr. Kevin Massoudi, lauded the federal government’s commitment in its war against cancer and expressed the organisation’s readiness to support the implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan 2023-27.
Dr. Massoudi urged Nigeria to prioritise cancer care in all its health programmes.