NCS to Launch Intervention Fund to Boost Cancer Treatment
The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has announced plans to establish a national cancer intervention fund aimed at enhancing cancer treatment and care across Nigeria. This initiative comes in response to the increasing cancer burden in the country and the urgent need for funding to support effective cancer care.
During a press briefing, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President of the NCS, emphasized the critical need for financial resources to bolster cancer care. Speaking at the conclusion of a seminar focused on HPV vaccine uptake for the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ), Omonisi reiterated the government's commitment to addressing cancer but highlighted the necessity for additional resources to tackle the disease effectively.
“We are launching this initiative with the goal of raising at least 10 billion naira to support treatment, research, and awareness programs,” Omonisi stated. He noted that the fund would operate independently, with backing from prominent Nigerians and organizations, including influential figures in the medical, philanthropic, and legal sectors.
Historically, cancer care in Nigeria has been underfunded, and despite some progress, much more needs to be done to ensure accessible and effective treatment for all citizens. Omonisi remarked, “The government has approved the establishment of cancer intervention funds, and we are working to mobilize both private and public support for this vital cause.”
The NCS plans to officially launch the fund on World Cancer Day, leveraging the global focus on cancer awareness to kickstart fundraising efforts. In addition to raising funds, the society aims to collaborate with international partners and experts to improve local cancer care infrastructure, reducing the need for Nigerians to seek life-saving treatments abroad.
While the NCS is optimistic about the government's commitment, it remains steadfast in its efforts to generate additional resources. “We will continue to press for increased government support, but we are determined to move forward with our fundraising plans regardless,” Omonisi concluded.
This fundraising initiative is viewed as a crucial step toward addressing the cancer care gap in Nigeria, with the potential to transform the lives of many individuals affected by cancer in the country.
In a related discussion, Dr. Uzoma Ugochukwu, a consultant to the NCS and public health expert, highlighted the importance of advocacy in addressing challenges related to HPV vaccination. He emphasized the need to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the vaccine to improve acceptance and uptake.
“This initiative is a critical focus for the Nigerian Cancer Society as we work to raise awareness about the HPV vaccine across society,” Ugochukwu stated. He pointed out that HPV is a known precursor to cervical cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer worldwide, particularly affecting countries like Nigeria.
Ugochukwu called for support from all stakeholders to enhance the Federal Ministry’s efforts in preventing cervical cancer. “By the end of the HPV Awareness and Uptake Project, we aim to reach everyone critical to improving vaccine adoption and awareness, ensuring a healthier future for all,” he added.
The NCS's initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling cancer in Nigeria, combining fundraising efforts with advocacy and education to create a more robust healthcare framework for cancer treatment and prevention.
