The Federal Government has broadened financial support for cancer patients through targeted health funds and insurance initiatives, while investing in local research, drug production, and clinical trials to improve access to affordable care.
Speaking at the Best of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Africa 2026 conference in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami, said new interventions were introduced to ease the financial burden of treatment.
He explained that the Catastrophic Health Fund under the National Health Insurance Authority subsidises cancer prevention, diagnosis, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, while the National Cancer Health Fund provides direct financial assistance to indigent patients.
“These are initiatives by the government to support the people of Nigeria suffering from this dreadful disease,” Malami noted.
The government also launched the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, aimed at accelerating local production of cancer medicines and reducing reliance on imports.
Dr. Lolade Adewale, Special Adviser on Research and Innovation to the Minister of State for Health, added that expanded insurance coverage and new funds would strengthen financial protection for patients. She disclosed that Nigeria had commenced three immunotherapy clinical trials, giving patients access to advanced drugs such as Nivolumab and Keytruda free of charge.
Experts at the conference stressed the need for stronger domestic investment in cancer research, workforce development, and clinical training, highlighting Africa’s growing cancer burden and Nigeria’s high incidence of breast, cervical, prostate, liver, and colorectal cancers.
The initiative, they said, is designed to “translate global discoveries into local delivery,” ensuring that breakthrough therapies are adapted to African health systems while addressing affordability and access challenges.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com