FG, Foundation Signs MOU To Address Cancer In Nigeria

To mitigate Nigeria’s rising cancer burden, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health and FCT Administration, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can) to address the challenge.

The landmark MOU which was signed in Abuja, makes Nigeria’s capital part of the growing network of cities committed to improving cancer care.

Abuja is the 14th city and the fourth African city to join the growing C/Can network alongside Kumasi (Ghana), Kigali (Rwanda) and Nairobi (Kenya).

FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola noted that Abuja’s partnership with C/Can carries immense potential for broad-scale impact on the health system of the country, aimed at bringing succor to the citizens.

Commenting on the significance of the MOU, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Funso Adebiyi said the MOU would ‘strengthen the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a healthier Nigeria towards having less mortality over cancer cases , and promoting a cancer free country.

Available record has revealed that cancer is responsible for 79,000 deaths and approximately 124,000 new cases in Nigeria each year, accounting for the second highest cancer burden in Africa.

“C/Can supports cities around the world, improve access to equitable, quality cancer care. Since its launch in 2017 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), C/Can has developed a new model of addressing access to cancer care, leverages the city as a key enabler to response to cancer.”

Also speaking, CEO for C/Can, Isabel Mestres, said throughout 2022, with the support of C/Can, Abuja has undertaken a robust due diligence process.

“This has provided a comprehensive understanding of the local cancer care landscape, paving the way for the next steps,
including the launch of a three-year City Engagement Process.”

In a related development, CEO of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu said Abuja’s cancer ecosystem would be strengthened to achieve the much-needed transformation.

Furthermore, Executive Vice President of the
Clinton Health Access Initiative Nigeria, Owens Wiwa explained that the multiplier effect of the MOU would lead to an unparalleled opportunity in the treatment of cancer in the country.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji