In a significant move to tackle the increasing cancer burden in Nigeria, the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Authority (NSIA) and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, hosted the Oncology Summit 2.0. The event gathered key stakeholders from Nigeria and around the world to address the critical issue of bolstering the country’s oncology workforce.
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, shared this information on his official X account and also provided it to the Africa Health Report (AHR) on Wednesday.
He emphasized the need for significant investment in individuals, research, and innovation to tackle cancer in Nigeria. “Cancer is rapidly becoming one of the most pressing health challenges in our nation, and addressing it necessitates more than just improved infrastructure,” Pate remarked.
Pate highlighted the government’s commitment to improving cancer care as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). He pointed out that this transformation involves not just establishing specialized cancer centers, but also ensuring that there is a qualified workforce trained to address the increasing need for cancer treatment.
Key figures were acknowledged for their efforts, including Minister of Finance Chief Wale Edun, MedServe CEO Dr. Tolu Adewole, and NSIA CEO Aminu Umar-Sadiq. Special recognition was given to Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, and Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, Director General of NICRAT, for their roles in advancing cancer care.
Pate concluded by emphasizing collective action: “Together, we are building a healthcare system that will leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that no Nigerian faces cancer alone.”
