The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu has shown concern over the alarming statistics of over 120,000 new cancer cases reported yearly in Nigeria.
Aliyu expressed concern over the incidence and mortality rates, and expressed NICRAT’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to disrupt the impact of cancer through heightened awareness, improved access to treatment, and extensive research efforts.
Speaking at the At the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ), in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Prof. Aliyu outlined NICRAT’s strategic initiatives, including plans to increase the number of cancer experts through comprehensive training for various health professionals.
Represented by Mr Hassan Zaggi, Prof. Aliyu emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges posed by different forms of cancers and ensuring individuals with the illness have access to top-notch care and support.
The recently launched documents, including the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027, National Cancer Research Agenda 2024-2027, and National Strategic Plan for Prevention of Cancer of Uterine Cervix 2023-2027, were highlighted as critical tools aligning with the Ministry of Health’s overarching goal of enhancing the health of all Nigerians.
Prof. Aliyu commended President Bola Tinubu’s led administration for prioritizing cancer care, citing the relocation of the Cancer Trust Fund from the Federal Ministry of Health to NICRAT as a significant move to improve the Institute’s operational effectiveness.
Recognizing the complexity of cancer care, he detailed NICRAT’s efforts in building partnerships and alliances with key government agencies such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), and Civil Society Organizations focused on cancer.
Aliyu further called for support from the media, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and stakeholders in the fight against cancer, emphasizing the collective responsibility to disrupt, defeat, and eradicate cancer in Nigeria.
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