In a bid to combat the rising challenge of childhood cancer in the country, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has called upon the government to allocate more funding towards its treatment.
Dr. Usman Aliyu, the Director-general of NICRIT, made this plea during an interactive session organized by NICRAT, in collaboration with the International Society of Media on Public Health, held in Abuja.
Established under the NICRAT establishment act 2017, NICRAT aims to take the lead in cancer research, treatment, and control across Nigeria.
Aliyu emphasized the need for increased financial support to bolster efforts in tackling childhood cancer, highlighting the importance of dedicated funds for this specific area.
In the 2024 budget, the federal government allocated N200 million to the Cancer Health Fund (CHF) for the treatment of indigent cancer patients.
Dr. Aliyu assured stakeholders that steps were being taken to augment this fund in the forthcoming years, with a separate allocation earmarked for childhood cancer treatment.Additionally, a government-appointed committee has been tasked with overseeing the utilization of the cancer health fund.
“To enhance accessibility and streamline patient care, NICRIT is implementing a patient-navigation and referral system.
“This initiative aims to simplify the process for patients to access treatment and support services efficiently.
Furthermore, He said,” NICRIT is poised to establish a comprehensive national cancer registry and data system. This centralized database will enable the country to gather crucial information on cancer prevalence, aiding in the development of targeted interventions and policies to combat the disease effectively.
