Last week, Nigeria unveiled its National Cancer Control Plan for 2018 – 2022. According to the health ministry, executing the plan would cost about NGN93 billion.
The plan according to the Federal Ministry of Health is a comprehensive strategy on cancer control and it provides clear road map on how the government will undertake cancer control efforts in the country in the next five years and more.
Speaking during the launch and dissemination of the document in Abuja, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole said that the National Cancer Control Plan is in line with government desire to ensure provision of high quality healthcare for all citizens including the most vulnerable populations.
Adewole said “ I am proud to inform you that the Cancer Control Plan is a product of extensive cross-sectoral collaboration involving the government, public health professionals and physicians in academia, bilateral and multilateral organizations and civil societies. I am optimistic that the diligent operationalization of the Plan will enhance effective cancer control initiative in this country.”
Speaking on government effort to make cancer care affordable, the Minister said that health professional needed have been employed and trained in tertiary hospital. He said federal government is also funding the much needed equipment such as diagnostic equipment, CT, MRI and Laboratory facilities and radiotherapy machines.
Nigeria National Cancer Control PlanThe Minister however admitted that Federal Government’s investment in cancer control would not be sufficient considering the large population of the country, he urged State Government and private sector to collaborate with government to support the fight against cancer.
“I make a passionate appeal to Nigerian of means, to donate equipment and provide training for care providers to improve their skill in order to offer better care to our patients. Individuals can also invest in the cancer space as is done in other climes.”
The Minister then converted the Steering Committee of National Cancer Control Plan to Implementation Committee of the Cancer Control Plan 2018-20122.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Seraki represented by his Special Assistant on Health Matters, Mr. Tony Isama said the leadership of the National Assembly is working towards ameliorating the scourge of cancer disease in Nigeria.
The wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, speaking during the event, described cancer as most complex disease that is yet to be understood by many Nigerians. She said implementation of the Plan should not be left to Federal Government alone.
“The responsibility of implementing this National Cancer Control Plan is not only for the Federal Ministry of Health and the Hon. Minister, it is on the State and Local Governments, civil society organizations and all private stakeholders.”