World Cancer Day: Mahmoud advocates inclusive, sustained action

Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

As Abuja residents especially stakeholders in the health sector   commemorated  the 2025 World Cancer Day, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has called for urgent, inclusive, and sustained action in the fight against disease.

Making this advocacy at an event organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), to mark the Day in Abuja,

Mahmoud also called for collaboration to ensure that no one in the FCT was left behind in the fight against cancer.

She reiterated that the present FCT Administration is not only investing in infrastructure but also taken deliberate steps to strengthen the healthcare system, ensuring that residents of the FCT have better access to quality services, including cancer prevention and treatment.

“We understand that tackling cancer requires collective efforts.

“ This is why the FCT Administration is committed to forging strategic partnerships with institutions like NICRAT to enhance cancer awareness, build capacity for prevention and early detection, and improve access to screening and treatment services”, the minister stated in a statement from her SA Media, Austine Elemue, which was made available to Journalists, yesterday.

She, therefore, commended NICRAT for its dedication to advancing cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Nigeria.

According to her, “The commitment to driving awareness and fostering collaboration is truly commendable, and today’s event is yet another testament to your tireless efforts.”

Mahmoud also assured that the FCT Administration remains ready to work hand in hand with NICRAT and all stakeholders to drive impactful interventions that would improve the health indices of residents and ultimately save lives.

Earlier, the NICRAT’s Director General, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu noted that World Cancer Day was targeted at raising awareness, improving education, and catalysing joint action to prevent cancer, as well as to support those affected by the disease.

While speaking on this year’s theme; “United by Unique,” the DG highlighted the importance of collaboration to create inclusive cancer solutions globally .

Aliyu emphasised that since inception NICRAT has initiated and sustained robust collaboration with local and international partners on training of the cancer workforce at all levels of care, research, and contemporary preventive measures.

He, therefore, assured that the Institute would continue to work hard to ensure the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the health sector, especially in cancer care.