By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The Government of Nigeria is committed to improving cancer care, treatment, and prevention across the nation.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who stated this in his key note address at the World Cancer Day Symposium organised by the National Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research held Wednesday 5th February, 2025 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, added
that, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believes that every Nigerian, regardless of where they live or their economic status, deserves access to quality cancer care and is therefore working towards universal health coverage, where cancer services are available, affordable, and accessible to all.
According to the Minister, “Ministry of Health and Social Welfare continues to work tirelessly to enhance healthcare infrastructure, promoting awareness and ensuring equitable access to cancer screening and treatment”.
Below is the full address:
SPEECH BY DR. IZIAQ ADEKUNLE SALAKO, THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE DELIVERED AT THE WORLD CANCER DAY SYMPOSSIUM ORGANISED BY THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CANCER TREATMENT AND RESEARCH HELD ON FEBRUARY 5TH 2025 AT THE ABUJA CONTINENTAL HOTEL, ABUJA.
Protocol
2. I am honoured to stand before you today on this significant occasion of the World Cancer Day Symposium, a day dedicated to raising awareness, fostering solidarity, and advocating for more inclusive cancer solutions for Nigeria and the world at large. This year’s keynote speech, “United by One Goal, Many Stories: Uniting Efforts for Inclusive Cancer Solutions,” reminds us that despite our individual journeys, our shared goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer.
3. As we know, cancer is not a respecter of borders, status, or background as it affect people from all walks of life. From urban to rural, the rich to the poor, the young to the elderly, the diagnosis of cancer has a profound impact on individuals, families, and communities. Yet, in our collective efforts, we have witnessed extraordinary resilience, courage, and hope. Today, we celebrate these stories, not only as reminders of the challenges we face but also as beacons of the power of unity in our fight against cancer and an opportunity for deeper reflection on our shared mission.
In Nigeria, cancer remains a critical health challenge with high number of new cases and deaths. Over 70% of cancer patients presents at late stage mainly due to ignorance, superstition, poverty and inadequate screening services. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and in Nigeria, it is no different. But despite these statistics, there is hope. The Government of Nigeria is committed to improving cancer care, treatment, and prevention across the nation. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare continues to work tirelessly to enhance healthcare infrastructure, promoting awareness and ensuring equitable access to cancer screening and treatment. But we cannot achieve these goals alone. It is the collaboration and partnership between governments at all levels, corporate organisations, development partners, healthcare professionals, researchers, religious bodies, community leaders, NGOs, CBOs, the media and individuals, like all of you that will lead us to the inclusive solutions that we seek.
Today’s symposium serves as a reminder of the importance of increasing awareness and cancer education, improving access to quality healthcare and upscaling cancer research and innovation. Cancer is not just a medical issue; it is a social one. Raising awareness, particularly in rural and underserved areas, is crucial in ensuring that people are equipped with the knowledge to take preventive measures and seek early diagnosis and treatment. This is a top priority of the Government.
The Federal Government of Nigeria believes that every Nigerian, regardless of where they live or their economic status, deserves access to quality cancer care and is therefore working towards universal health coverage, where cancer services are available, affordable, and accessible to all. In order to achieve this, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has come up with innovative solutions like the Catastrophic Health Insurance to make part of the basic healthcare provision fund available in a sustainable manner for serious, financial draining chronic diseases like cancers, the National Cancer Acess Programme (NCAP) to bring down the cost of cancer drugs and the Cancer Trust Fund as an intervention to help cancer patients procure drugs and other consumables.
Government is also acquring new equipment including radiotherapy machines for the 6 designated cancer centres and providing opportunities for capacity building of the cancer workforce.
To better understand the disease, improve early detection, better understand how cancer uniquely affects different populations and create personalised, more effective and affordable treatment, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will continue to invest in research by providing dedicated budget for cancer research as currently being implemented for the first time in the our country by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
Cancer care is not only about treating the disease; it is about caring for the whole individual. It is about mental, emotional, and physical support that makes the patient feel heard, understood, and cared for throughout their journey. Our vision is to ensure that cancer treatment centres provide comprehensive support that empowers patients and their families. Survivorship and palliative care are prioritized in the national strategic cancer control plan which we are working towards its full implementation. Ultimately, we must ensure that all voices are heard and all people are supported. From people living with cancer to those at risk, from caregivers to survivors, we must create a healthcare environment where everyone has access to the services they need, regardless of their social or economic status.
As we reflect on the many unique stories and the different experiences of cancer victims, I call on all of us to unite in our shared determination to ensure that our fight against cancer is not an isolated one but a collective effort. Each individual’s journey with cancer may be unique, we must however remain united in our goal of ensuring that is prevention is optimised and all cancer victim beat the disease.
To the survivors and their families who are with us today, your strength is an inspiration and a challenge to government to do more to improve the survival rate for cancers in our country. To those still battling cancer, I want to assure you that government will continue to deploy resources for effective treatment and care.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is treating the health of all Nigerians as an urgent matter of right and is therefore prioritizing cancer prevention, treatment and control. We will continue to work hand in hand with all stakeholders so that together, we can create a country where cancer is no longer a cause for fear but a challenge that can be overcomed through collective action, shared knowledge, and inclusive solutions.
In closing, let me specially recognise and commend the tireless commitment of all those working within the cancer space in Nigeria; administrators, health workers, researchers, health journalists, cancer advocates and other care givers. You efforts fuels the hope that one day, cancer will ultimately be defeated. I call upon each of you to continue being part of this critical movement. Whether through advocacy, research, policy, or support for those affected, every effort matters. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can make cancer history.
Finally, I congratulate the DG of NICRAT and his team for successfully hosting this symposium and assure you of the continued support of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social welfare in our collective quest for a cancer free Nigeria. I will like to see NICRAT moving it activities quickly to sub-national levels by establishing regional offices, paying advocacy visits to our Governors and engaging the Nigerian Governors Forum. At the ministry level, we will be developing initiatives to incentivize states for domesticating national cancer care policies. I thank you all for your commitment, your compassion, and your collective will to make a difference. Together, let us unite for inclusive cancer solutions that bring hope to all, regardless of their story.
Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.