The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called for increasing the Cancer Health Fund allocation in the 2025 national budget from the proposed N150 million to at least N1 billion.
NCS president Prof Abidemi Omonisi called during a media workshop on HPV vaccine uptake organised by NCS for the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHeJ) on Saturday in Abuja.
Prof. Omonisi expressed concern over the insufficient budget allocation, highlighting the prohibitive cost of cancer treatment. He warned that without an increase, many cancer patients would be deprived of life-saving care.
Despite the funding shortfall, Omonisi disclosed that NCS plans to launch a N10 billion Cancer Intervention Fund in February 2025.
He said the fund aims to bridge the gap and will rely on contributions from private sector players, philanthropists, and international donors.
He added that the fund would be managed by a board of experts, including health financing specialists and legal professionals, to ensure that financial assistance reaches cancer patients nationwide.
The NCS revealed plans to enhance cancer care in the country, including establishing the country’s first liver transplant centre in collaboration with global partners like the Mayo Clinic.
Also, in 2024, the Society celebrated several achievements, such as the creation of Nigeria’s first pediatric cancer registry in partnership with the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and Nigeria’s inclusion in the World Health Organisation’s list of countries of special interest in cancer care.
According to Prof. Omonisi, these milestones position Nigeria to benefit from increased international collaboration and funding opportunities.
Omonisi also highlighted the election of NCS’s candidate as the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) president, marking a significant milestone for Africa.
He said the development would attract global resources and policy support for Nigeria’s cancer programs.
Emphasising the critical role of advocacy in promoting HPV vaccine uptake, NCS consultant Dr Uzoma Ugochukwu stressed the importance of dispelling myths and misconceptions about the vaccine to enhance its acceptance and reduce cervical cancer rates in Nigeria.
As part of its 2025 agenda, NCS plans to expand partnerships with global organisations, strengthen cancer awareness campaigns, and establish additional radiotherapy centres to reduce the burden on existing facilities and curb medical tourism for cancer treatment.
The society expressed its commitment to improving cancer care in the country, advocating for increased funding, and ensuring sustainable healthcare solutions for cancer patients nationwide.
