Roche vows to fight breast cancer in Nigerian

Roche, a global pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, has vowed to assistin fighting breast cancer in Nigeria.

1. Roche, stated this at the weekend in Abuja,during the 9th Annual Health Conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ).

Speaking at the conference themed; ‘Domestic Resource Mobilization in the face of Dwindling Foreign Grants and Aids’, Ecosystem Enabler and Oncology Cluster Lead, Roche Nigeria, Funsho David, said the organization will continue to provide assistance despite dwindling foreign grants.

He said some initiatives of the company aimed at improving early diagnosis, access to treatment and overall survival for breast cancer patients.

He added that the company is working to improve women’s chances of survival by improving every stage of breast cancer journey.

“One of the flagship programmes is BRANT (Breast Cancer Access to Navigation and Testing), which provides specialised testing for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The programme aims to reach 5,000 patients and ensure accurate identification of the type of cancer, a critical step for effective treatment.

“Normally costing over ₦150,000, the tests are fully subsidised for indigent patients, while those who can afford a portion pay between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000.”

Speaking further, he said Roche was collaborating with FLAC (First Ladies Against Cancer), to raise awareness and mobilise resources for cancer care.

“The initiative, supported by Doris Duke, focuses on early detection and patients’ survival at both state and national levels. In addition, Roche has partnered with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to make cancer treatment more affordable through the NHI-Roche Cost Sharing Partnership.

“Under this scheme, Roche covers 50 per cent of treatment costs, NHIA contributes 30 per cenr and patients pay only 20 per cent. Since its inception, the programme has supported around 150 patients, many of whom are alive today.”

Also speaking, Senior Nutrition Advisor for Save the Children International (SCI), Nigeria, Adaeze Ogwuche, said the NGO is working across the country to address cases of malnutrition.

She said the NGO has been working with various stakeholders to provide help for children in various communities across the country.

“So far, we have recorded successes in various communities that we are working across the country, and more are still coming.

“We will continue to partner with relevant partners and community members to address cases of malnutrition across the country.”