The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) said the increment of Cancer Health Fund allocation in the 2025 national budget from the proposed ₦150 million to ₦1 billion, will be a game changer in addressing various cases of cancer across the country.
The president of NCS, prof. Abidemi Omonisi, stated this at the weekend in Abuja, during a media workshop on HPV vaccine uptake.
The programme was organised by NCS for the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHeJ).
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.
He revealed that NCS plans to launch a ₦10 billion Cancer Intervention Fund in February 2025.
He added that the fund is aimed at bridging the gap, and will rely on contributions from private sector players, philanthropists, and international donors.
The fund will be managed by a board of experts, including health financing specialists and legal professionals, to ensure financial assistance reaches cancer patients nationwide, he added.
The NCS revealed plans to enhance cancer care in the country, including the establishment of the country’s first liver transplant center in collaboration with global partners like the Mayo Clinic.
Also, the Society celebrated several achievements in 2024, 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.
These milestones, according to Prof. Omonisi, position Nigeria to benefit from increased international collaboration and funding opportunities.
Omonisi also highlighted the election of NCS’s candidate as the President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), marking a significant milestone for Africa.
He said the development is expected to attract global resources and policy support for Nigeria’s cancer programs.
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